PEORIA, AZ -- Liberty High School’s athletic dominance was on full display during the 2024–25 season, with two team state championships and ten individual state titles earned by its athletes.
Championship Overview
Liberty Football captured the 2024 Open State Championship, securing back-to-back titles and cementing their status as a powerhouse program. This repeat victory in the highly competitive Open Division marks a monumental achievement, showcasing the team’s relentless work ethic, elite talent, and championship culture under coach Colin Thomas (read more about Coach Thomas and the Liberty football program here).
The Liberty Pom Team earned top honors as 2024–25 Division I Hip Hop State Champions. Notably, this is their fourth win in a row. Seniors Devoni Lira and Avery Johnson were a part of all four state championship teams, giving them the rare accomplishment of being champions in each year of their high school careers. You can watch their award-winning performance here.
On the mat, Maddux Botma, Ryder Schulte, and Carson Miles each took home state titles in men’s wrestling, while Faith Stevenson earned a state title in women’s wrestling.
Zeke Raybourn was crowned the 2024 D1 Dive State Champion.
Mia Kemp triumphed in track and field, taking the title in the D1 Triple Jump.
The boys’ 4x400 relay team—Preston Skidmore, Luke Hensel, Gavin Lombardi, and Mason Lombardi—sealed their names in the record books as 2025 D1 State Champions.
Liberty athletes also excelled beyond state competition. Hank Dilworth was named Gatorade Cross Country Player of the Year, solidifying his place as one of the top runners in the nation.
Strong Finishes
Several Liberty athletes and teams earned silver medals at the state level:
Men’s and Women’s Wrestling teams were both named Division I State Runners-Up.
Individually, Hank Dilworth (cross country), Jeremy LeBlanc and Zandon Hopson (wrestling), Lola Hunt, and Aubrey Avery (women’s wrestling) each brought home state runner-up finishes.
Players of the Year
In addition, Liberty recognized Players of the Year in each sport. Players of the Year are selected based off their contributions to the program, school, and community. Players of the Year for each sport are listed below.
Franny Sofia (Girls Basketball)
Kaidence Koester (Cross Country)
Abram Sherrin (Baseball)
Rylee Biancamano (Girls Soccer)
Gavin Saulnier and Hunter Samuelin (Tennis)
Hudson Dunn and Hayden Fletcher (Football)
Ella Pectu and Lauren Forelli (Girls Volleyball)
Logan Barron (Boys Soccer)
Leadership
Two standout coaches received Coach of the Year honors:
John Hew (Tennis)
Dave Ostrus (Cross Country)
Community Impact
Beyond the scoreboard, Liberty High School’s athletic programs made a powerful impact off the field through dedicated community service throughout the 2024–25 school year. The Men’s and Women’s Swimming teams and the Men’s Basketball team were named PUSD Sportsmanship Teams of the Year, each earning $1,000 toward uniforms from PUSD Athletics.
Spiritline members from the Pom and Cheer teams served at the food bank and participated in events with Christ Church of the Valley's (CCV) yearly Shine Event as well as their Exceptional Stars program. Men’s Basketball also volunteered at CCV clinics and community events. Women’s Soccer players mentored youth at the CCV Exceptional Stars soccer camp and lent helping hands at the food bank. Baseball players ran a holiday drive for Hope Community Services, picked fruit for food donations, raised over $12,000 for the American Heart Association, and continued their partnership with CCV Exceptional Stars. These efforts reflect Liberty’s belief that true champions lead not only in competition, but in compassion and character.
A Bright Future
Perhaps most impressive, over 40 Liberty seniors earned athletic scholarships to continue their careers at the collegiate level—a testament to the hard work, talent, and support systems cultivated within the Liberty athletic department.
Beyond the accolades, Liberty athletes continue to achieve victories both on and off the field. Driven by a legacy of excellence, each athlete strives to leave their mark on a school already rich with tradition and success. As the year comes to a close, Liberty High reflects on a season of records broken, banners raised, and legacies built—while looking ahead to an even brighter future.