Fall Sports Season Draws Praise, Highlights Communication Focus

Fall athletics across the Churchill County School District delivered standout results this year, with strong performances, state recognition, and a growing emphasis on improving communication with families.

Athletic Director Brian Mello presented the fall sports evaluation to the school board at the December board meeting, outlining both competitive successes and areas targeted for improvement based on post-season surveys.

Among the highlights from the 2025 fall season were 28 student-athletes named to Nevada All-State Academic Teams, two Coach of the Year awards, and multiple top individual honors, including Athlete of the Year for football and Player of the Year for volleyball. Football also produced the state’s Defensive Player of the Year and capped the season with a state championship title.

In total, 22 student-athletes earned first-team all-league recognition, 14 were named to second team, and another 14 received honorable mention. Seven student-athletes advanced to the state competition in tennis, golf, and cross-country.

Mello also shared early winter sports updates, noting strong participation and momentum. Wrestling currently has 46 athletes, including 12 girls. The girls’ basketball team opened the season 6–0, including three wins against 4A opponents, while the boys’ basketball team started 2–0.

The evaluation survey, which helps guide athletic department improvements, received 63 responses this year, down from approximately 115 last year. Mello explained the lower response rate was largely due to the survey not being distributed to football parents while the season was still ongoing.

Board members focused much of their discussion on communication, which continues to rank as the lowest-scoring area in survey feedback. Mello said the district plans to standardize communication tools across sports, expanding the use of apps such as Remind or Band to ensure parents and athletes receive timely updates directly from coaches.

Several trustees and parents shared their experiences, noting that while high school athletes are expected to take responsibility, parent-facing apps provide clarity and reduce missed information. Mello agreed and said improving consistency across programs is a priority moving forward.

Board members thanked Mello for bringing student-athletes to the meeting. They praised the overall success of the fall season and encouraged continued progress in communication and year-over-year data tracking.

The presentation concluded with appreciation for coaches, athletes, and families who contributed to one of the district’s most successful fall sports seasons to date.