CHARACTER & LEADERSHIP WITHIN SPORTS
The Northwest Conference loves celebrating our student-athletes in and outside of the classroom. Character Development and Leadership are a top priority in the conference, and we want to provide our communities with a simple and efficient way to see character, leadership and sportsmanship of our student-athletes through the traits that make them up.
The Northwest Conference is asking every school to select two of the 32 character traits to show recognition to two student-athletes within their programs for that trait. This will be going on throughout the summer and will include the follow words:
| PASSION | APPRECIATION | PREPARATION | SELFLESSNESS | GRIT | ACCOUNTABILITY |
| SPORTSMANSHIP | HUMILITY | COMPETITIVENESS | HONESTY | CARING | CONFIDENCE |
| COMPOSURE | TOLERANCE | COURAGE | POSITIVE ATTITUDE | SERVICE | ENTHUSIASM |
| LEADERSHIP | DETERMINATION | CHARACTER | EFFORT | COMMITMENT | TEAMWORK |
| DESIRE | WORK ETHIC | COACHABLE | TRUST | FOCUS | GOOD JUDGEMENT |
| PERSEVERANCE | INTEGRITY |
Character and Leadership play an important role in the development and success of our schools, and athletics show them in one of the most polarizing ways possible. Today we are recognizing two stellar student-athletes from Blaine High School!
BLAINE HIGH SCHOOL
Sportsmanship
Olivia Tanjuaquio (Blaine Cross Country/Basketball/Golf)
Chas Kok (BHS AD):
Olivia embodies true sportsmanship through her respect for opponents, support for her teammates, and grace in both victory and defeat. Her positive attitude and integrity set an example for others, showing that how you play the game matters just as much as the outcome.
Connie Pilon (Golf Coach):
Olivia is on the golf team and every match she is paired with different people. She works to engage with the different girls each week and get to know them, she is courteous and kind. With her teammates she encourages them at practice and after matches celebrating their wins. During matches she always asks how the others are doing during the match.
Ashley Dickerson (Basketball):
Olivia embodies what sportsmanship is all about because she competes hard while still playing fairly and respecting everyone on and off the court. She plays with integrity, supports her teammates, and always keeps a positive attitude regardless of the outcome. She was always asking questions and looking for ways to improve, showing her genuine desire to learn so she could better support her team. Olivia is the best example of what the word “sportsmanship” truly means!
Humility
Dima Yuryev (Blaine Soccer)
Chas Kok (BHS AD):
Dima is the kind of player every program hopes for—but few are lucky enough to have. His talent on the field speaks for itself, but what stands out even more is his humility. He doesn’t chase attention, doesn’t look for recognition—he just puts in the work.
Nearly every time I come out to the soccer field, Dima is already there. Alone. Ball at his feet. No crowd, no spotlight—just a player committed to getting better. Rain, wind, or cold, it doesn’t matter. He shows up.
That consistency, that quiet dedication, is what separates him. It’s not just about being a great soccer player—it’s about being the kind of person who earns respect through effort, attitude, and humility.
