Marty Gordon, NRVsports@ourvalley.org
Blacksburg’s Craig Huxtable is the 2026 All-District River Ridge boys’ soccer player of year. The district announced Huxtable leading the first-team with teammates Keenan Kopp, Ethan Eschenmann and goalie Nathan Pratt.
Christiansburg placed four to the first team including Max Bush, Grey McDowell, Gavin Ross and Mason King.
For the season, Huxtable has 25 goals and seven assists.
Pulaski’s Matt Dremel was named coach of the year.
Three Bruins, Estaban Carvajal, Andrew Linden and Alex Doyle, were named to the second-team along with Christiansburg’s Colin Hewitt.
Blacksburg’s Sam Szefc was named the all-district player of year for Blacksburg. He was named to the first-team both as a pitcher and shortstop.
Szefc is batting .625 on the season with 40 Hits, 12 doubles, four triples, five homeruns, 42 RBI’s and nine stolen bases. On the mound, he has a 5-2 record with 82 strikeouts and1.76 earned run average.
Two Bruins were named to the second team, Noach Owczarski at first base and Zay Nable at catcher. Christiansburg placed five to the second team led by pitchers Walker Cullop and Walker Overbay with third baseman Ethan Wayman, outfielder Brasen Hutchens and designated hitter Charlie Bolling.
Blacksburg placed three players on the first-team for girls’ soccer. Addie McSorley was joined by Abby Whaley and Amina Hardee. Christiansburg’s Lyla Thurman was also named to the first-team.
Cave Spring’s Myia McDonald was named player of year, and her coach, Simon French, was the coach of the year for girls’ soccer.
In softball, Pulaski’s Victoria Hale was named player of year and her coach, Gary Brightbell was coach of the year.
Christiansburg’s Sophia Russell was named to the first-team as a pitcher with her catcher, Reagan Smith and outfielder, Aubrey Davis.
Blacksburg placed three to the second-team in pitcher Keely Semter, catcher Sullivan Shelor and shortstop Bella Watkins. Christiansburg’s Abby Neel was named to the second-team All-River Ridge as an outfielder.
