Blaine High School athletes Kate Koreski and Peyton Bouma were honored at an annual sportsmanship event on Sept. 17. They were two of 34 high school seniors from Northwest Washington to receive the honor.
Each high school in the Northwest Conference selected a senior from its boys’ and girls’ athletic programs who exemplify great sportsmanship.
The athletes gathered for photos at Blaine Marine Park, then celebrated with a meal at Gateway 1890 Taphouse and Grill.
Koreski and Bouma were nominated by Blaine High School coaches, and then voted for by the coaches and high school administration.
For Koreski, who plays soccer, basketball and softball, being recognized for her sportsmanship means a lot, she said. She noted that her older brother Blake Koreski received the honor in 2024.
“I think sportsmanship is important because it shows your character,” Koreski said. “Also, you’re representing your school, not just your name.”
Koreski said she’s conscious of how she represents her team, and she makes an effort to display good sportsmanship.
As a captain of the soccer team, she wants to be a role model for her younger teammates.
Bouma echoed Koreski’s sentiment. Being recognized for his sportsmanship means that younger athletes will look to him to see how to compete, he said.
Bouma plays football, basketball and golf.
“I’m nominated because I have good sportsmanship, so then the younger class — like the middle schoolers that are coming into high school – can look to me as a role model, and (see) how to be a good sport on the field and in the classroom,” Bouma said.
Bouma’s coaches have always encouraged him to treat everyone — opponents included — with respect, he said.
The annual sportsmanship event gives coaches and athletic directors an opportunity to highlight the athletes’ dedication to their education and their character, said Squalicum Athletic Coordinator Patrick Brown, who has served as the sportsmanship coordinator for the Northwest Conference for 17 years.
Brown summarized good sportsmanship with two words: respect and compassion.
He said that the Northwest Conference places an emphasis on good sportsmanship, and honoring two athletes from each school reinforces that.
Other athletic conferences in Washington have contacted Brown to let him know that they’ve started encouraging good sportsmanship using a similar model to the Northwest Conference, he said.
“We’re intentional about sportsmanship,” Brown said. “But we build it with (the athletes), it’s not just top down.”
