MOSES LAKE – Frontier Middle School student Jaxon Rasmussen of Moses Lake is among the nominees for the Youth Athlete of the Year award, a nationwide competition hosted by Russell Wilson and sponsored by 3BRAND. The honor recognizes young athletes who compete with heart, inspire their teammates, and embody resilience both on and off the field.
The winner will receive the Youth Athlete of the Year title, be featured in Sports Illustrated, and earn $25,000 to invest in their future. Voting is underway now, and Jaxon’s supporters can cast votes online at athleteoftheyear.org/2025/jaxon-c3d5.
Jaxon is a multi-sport athlete who thrives on staying active and challenging himself. He has studied karate since age four and, after the Covid shutdowns, dove into local rec sports, including baseball with the Moses Lake Baseball Association, football with Moses Lake Grid Kids, and basketball through both Larson Parks & Rec’s after-school program and AAU. Since starting middle school, he has added cross country to his schedule and plans to wrestle this winter. With overlapping seasons, it’s not unusual for Jaxon to juggle two or more practices, games, or meets in a single day—all with determination and enthusiasm.
But Jaxon’s story is about more than athletic involvement—it’s about perseverance. At only 11 years old, he has faced hearing loss and several severe medical diagnoses. Every practice and game comes with challenges most can’t see, but rather than letting those obstacles hold him back, Jaxon uses them as motivation to push harder.
“He’s not the biggest, fastest, or strongest kid out there—and truthfully, he’s not the best player,” his father shared. “But what sets Jaxon apart is his determination and enthusiasm. He gives 110% every single time, whether it’s in practice or in competition. His coaches see it, his teammates feel it, and I couldn’t be more proud of how he carries himself on and off the field.”
Sports haven’t come easy for Jaxon. Some days, breathing is a struggle, focus is a battle, and his body doesn’t always cooperate the way he wishes. Still, he continues to show up with grit and determination. His resilience makes him stand out as both an athlete and a role model.
“Jaxon deserves the Youth Athlete of the Year Award because he represents what sports are all about: strength, perseverance, and heart,” his family wrote. “He shows other kids that it’s not about being the fastest or the strongest—it’s about showing up, giving your best, and never giving up on yourself.”
Voting for Youth Athlete of the Year is open now. Fans can cast one free vote daily or donate to cast additional votes, with all donations supporting the Why Not You Foundation and the V Foundation for Cancer Research.