Fan Voting Opens for Top Girls High School Athletes in Southern California
High School On SI has opened a fan vote to select the top girls athlete from Southern California for the week of Aug. 24-29. Nominees include flag football and volleyball players, with standout performances such as multiple touchdown passes and strong defensive plays. Voting is open to fans to determine the winner.
The weekly poll covers a wide geographic and athletic range across the CIF Southern, San Diego, and LA City Sections, with flag football dominating this week's nominations. Six of the eight nominees play flag football, reflecting the sport's rapid growth in the region. Notable statistical highlights include Makena Cook's seven touchdown passes on 18-of-24 throwing, and Maliyah Estrada's clean 68-attempt stretch without an interception. Amanda Peng represents golf, winning the Longhorn Open via a playoff birdie after tying at 68 with Stella Yoon.
The voting format is explicitly designed as a community-building exercise rather than a formal competition, with no prizes attached. Author Tarek Fattal, who has covered Southern California high school sports since 2015 and previously reported on notable athletes like Bronny James and Alyssa Thompson, oversees the selection process. The poll allows fans, communities, and supporters to rally behind local athletes, with the understanding that vote totals may vary widely and that every nominated player is celebrated regardless of the outcome.
This fan-driven recognition could strengthen community engagement with high school athletics, giving local supporters a direct stake in celebrating young female athletes. It may also raise visibility for flag football, a rapidly expanding sport, and encourage broader participation among girls in Southern California. By spotlighting achievements across multiple sports, the poll could help counterbalance the region's traditional focus on football and basketball, potentially inspiring younger students to pursue athletics and fostering school pride that extends beyond game days.