The Mules Booster Club has named Olivia Thetford and Alex Bedell of Poplar Bluff High School the October Athletes of the Month, presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors.

Alex, a senior soccer player, scored 14 goals with 11 assists for the season. He earned first-team honors as both a SEMO All-Conference and Class 3, District 1 All-District student-athlete. A two-year academic letterman outside of the field, Alex is an active member of clubs that include the Mule Barn, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Family, Career & Community Leaders of America, according to his coaching staff.

“Alex is a fantastic leader on the soccer team. He consistently pushed his teammates to perform better during games and practices. Many of our players work harder during drills because of Alex’s presence,” said Mike Anderle, assistant coach. “…He plans on continuing to play soccer in college, and we know wherever he goes he will bring his work ethic and love for the game that he has demonstrated while playing on our team.”

Olivia, a senior golfer, is a three-time letterman and has qualified for All-District and All-State twice—making her the first female golfer in PBHS history to do so. She has qualified for state competition three times in total. In the classroom, she has maintained straight A’s and B’s to boot, according to the coaching staff.

“Olivia is a determined athlete who always strives for excellence,” said Tyler Davis, her coach. “She is a great competitor and maintains a cool and level-head while competing. She knows what she wants to accomplish and when she falls short, she works to ensure that it is accomplished the next time.”

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Cutline: Olivia Thetford and Alex Bedell are presented the AOM awards by Brian Taylor, Booster Club president, prior to Thanksgiving break on Monday, Nov. 18, at PBHS.