The Good Sport Contest

We’re a Kansas City based company at Goodcents, so we wanted to team up with our friend Matt Besler, Sporting KC Team Captain and former Blue Valley West High School soccer player, to recognize some Kansas City-metro area high school athletes whose character and work ethic shine on and off the field — and who have persevered in spite of the pandemic. We chose the honorees from among more than 100 entries because they epitomize what it means to be a Good Sport.

Naji Aburas
Lee's Summit High School

I chose Naji because he is a hard-worker on and off the field. Not only does he juggle a soccer ball, he also juggles many other responsibilities.
– Matt Besler

Payton Verhulst
Bishop Miege

Payton’s athletic career is very impressive but what really stood out to me was how she gives back to younger players through mentorship.
– Matt Besler

Marco Ibarra
Guadalupe Center's High School

I chose Marco because his proven athleticism and the love he has for his community. Taking the time to clean up where his team plays shows he cares about his team and his community.
– Matt Besler

Maddie Nofsinger
Liberty High School

Maddie had a lot cancelled for her because of Covid. Her positivity and leadership are truly inspiring.
– Matt Besler

Wilmer España
Olathe North High School

Wilmer is an inspiration to immigrant kids. You don’t have to speak the same language or have the same background to excel as a team.
– Matt Besler

PJ Allred
Smith Cotton High School

PJ’s story really moved me. He was a motivator for his football team from the sidelines for years and inspired us all with his famous 80 yard touchdown.
– Matt Besler

Kali Butts
Smith Cotton High School

Kali is a trail-blazer and an inspiration to all female athletes who don’t feel like they can play their sports.
– Matt Besler

Natalie Payne
Shawnee Mission South

Covid has been hard on all of us. Natalie’s continued leadership and encouragment of her teams despite the circumstances is really what being a GoodSport is all about.
– Matt Besler

Joshua Curry
Olathe South High School

Josh’s determination to get back on the field after a traumatic brain injury is very inspiring. Making his varsity team just a few years after his accident proves his hard work all his hard work paid off.
– Matt Besler