Pendill Wealth Management Athletes of the Week
By Marsha Green | Oct 22, 2026 9:15 AM
Mooresville High School Athletic Department Pendill Wealth Management Athletes of the Week October 5th – October 10th The Mooresville High School Athletic Department is proud to announce the Pendill Wealth Management Athletes of the Week for October 5th – October 10th. This recognition is awarded weekly to Mooresville student-athletes who demonstrate excellence across all areas of competition during the previous week of athletic contests. Pendill Wealth Management is committed to celebrating the hard work and achievements of Mooresville student-athletes while continuing to support the growth and success of the athletic department. The Mooresville Athletic Department is grateful for its partnership with BJ Pendill and Pendill Wealth Management in recognizing and honoring our outstanding student-athletes each week. Athlete of the Week – Girl’s Volleyball – Bridget DeFur, Sophomore This week’s Athlete of the Week is sophomore Bridget DeFur, whose outstanding offensive performance, competitive spirit, and positive attitude continue to make an impact on the Mooresville Volleyball team. Bridget turned in one of her strongest performances of the season, recording a season-high 19 kills against Monrovia. Her offensive production helped the Pioneers battle through a competitive five-set match, consistently providing important points and keeping Mooresville in contention. Although the Pioneers ultimately came up short, Bridget's performance demonstrated her ability to step up and deliver when her team needed her most. Her performance against Monrovia was another example of the contributions she has made throughout the season. Bridget has continued to develop into a dependable offensive option for the Pioneers, showing improvement and growing confidence in her ability to make plays at the net. Her competitiveness and determination have helped her become an important part of the team's offensive attack. Beyond her ability to contribute offensively, Bridget's attitude and enthusiasm have been equally valuable. She consistently brings positive energy to the court and makes an effort to encourage her teammates, especially when the team faces adversity. Even in difficult losses, Bridget maintains a competitive mindset while helping lift those around her. As a sophomore, Bridget continues to grow as both a player and teammate, and her willingness to compete, improve, and support others has made her a valuable part of the Pioneer program. For her season-high 19 kills, continued offensive contributions, and the enthusiasm and sportsmanship she demonstrates throughout the season, Bridget DeFur is a well-deserving Athlete of the Week. Athlete of the Week – Football – Jackson Denny, Junior This week’s Athlete of the Week is junior Jackson Denny, whose versatility, big-play ability, and team-first attitude helped the Pioneers secure a victory over Martinsville in the annual “Battle of the M.” Jackson made a significant impact in Friday night’s rivalry victory, hauling in 2 receptions for a team-high 73 receiving yards, including a 52-yard touchdown reception. The touchdown was his second of the season and provided an important contribution as Mooresville defeated Martinsville to keep possession of the coveted “M” trophy for another year. Jackson’s contributions extend well beyond his receiving statistics. After beginning the season in a different role, he transitioned to the offensive side of the ball following the Pioneers’ fourth game. He has embraced the challenge of learning a new position, demonstrating a willingness to be coached and putting in the work necessary to become a contributor to the offense. His versatility has also been valuable on special teams. When an injury created a need at the long snapper position, Jackson stepped in to fill that role while continuing to contribute in other areas of the game. His willingness to take on additional responsibilities reflects his commitment to doing whatever is necessary to help the team succeed. Jackson’s positive attitude and coachability have made him a valuable member of the Pioneer football program. Whether learning a new position, stepping into an unfamiliar role, or making a big play on Friday night, he approaches every opportunity with a willingness to work hard and put his team first. For his team-leading receiving performance in the Battle of the M, his versatility across multiple positions, and his commitment to doing whatever the Pioneers need to be successful, Jackson Denny is a well-deserving Athlete of the Week. Mooresville High School Athletic Department Pendill Wealth Management Athletes of the Week October 12th – October 17th Athlete of the Week – Girl’s Cross Country – Aleah Marine, Senior This week’s Athlete of the Week is senior Aleah Marine, whose determination, perseverance, and tremendous improvement throughout the season have made her an outstanding example of what it means to be a Mooresville Pioneer. Throughout the 2026 season, Aleah has demonstrated that success in cross country isn't always measured by finishing position or individual accolades. Her commitment to showing up each day, putting in the work, and competing to the best of her ability has made her a valuable member of the Pioneer Girls Cross Country team. Aleah's hard work has certainly paid off. Over the course of the season, she improved her race times by more than five and a half minutes, an impressive accomplishment that reflects her dedication to training and willingness to learn from her coaches. She consistently followed race plans, worked to improve her performance, and continued pushing herself even when faced with challenges. Perhaps the best example of Aleah's determination came during the Morgan County Meet. Near the second mile of the race, she experienced a significant nosebleed that could have easily ended her day. Instead, Aleah refused to quit, pushing through the adversity and finishing the race. Her toughness and determination provided a powerful example of grit for her teammates and fellow competitors. Beyond her individual improvement, Aleah has been a quiet leader for the Pioneers. She doesn't need to be the loudest voice on the team to make an impact. Instead, she leads through her actions, consistently showing up ready to work, maintaining a positive attitude, and refusing to complain when things get difficult. Her dedication and willingness to persevere have set an example for the younger athletes in the program. As Aleah wraps up her senior season, she can take pride in how far she has come and the example she has set for those around her. Her growth throughout the year is a reminder that hard work, consistency, and determination are just as important as the numbers on a results sheet. For her remarkable improvement, quiet leadership, and unwavering determination throughout her senior season, Aleah Marine is a very deserving Athlete of the Week. Athlete of the Week – Football – Cooper Jones, Junior This week’s Athlete of the Week is junior Cooper Jones, whose outstanding offensive performance, versatility, and late-game heroics helped lead the Mooresville Pioneers to a thrilling victory over Perry Meridian in their regular-season finale. Cooper delivered one of his most impressive performances of the season, finishing with 6 receptions for 130 yards and 2 touchdowns, while adding 44 rushing yards on 8 carries. His 174 total offensive yards played a major role in the Pioneers' victory, but it was the timing of his biggest plays that made his performance especially memorable. Cooper wasted little time making an impact, hauling in an 80-yard touchdown reception on the first play from scrimmage to give Mooresville an early lead. However, his biggest contribution came when the Pioneers needed it most. With the game on the line in the closing seconds, Cooper kept the play alive, worked his way open in the corner of the end zone, and hauled in a 5-yard touchdown pass from Eli Hill with just five seconds remaining to secure the victory. His first and final receptions of the night provided the opening and closing scores in an exciting Pioneer win. Throughout the season, Cooper has established himself as one of the Pioneers' most versatile offensive weapons. His ability to contribute in the passing game, running game, and on special teams has made him an important part of Mooresville's weekly game plan. He has even stepped in on the defensive side of the ball when needed. This versatility gives the coaching staff flexibility and allows Cooper to make an impact in a variety of ways. Beyond his production on Friday nights, Cooper's preparation and work ethic have been important parts of his success. His coaches praise his positive attitude, coachability, and commitment to understanding the game plan each week. He consistently gives tremendous effort, embraces whatever role the team needs him to fill, and takes pride in being prepared when his number is called. That dedication has earned the trust of his coaches and teammates, particularly in critical moments. For his 174 yards of total offense, two touchdown receptions, and game-winning catch in the final seconds against Perry Meridian, along with his versatility, work ethic, and team-first approach throughout the season, Cooper Jones is a very deserving




