Willowbrook Athletics names April Anyway’s Athletes of the Month

Willowbrook Athletics is proud to share seniors Maisie Thompson and Jae Newman have been named as the Anyway’s Athletes of the Month for April.

Name: Maisie Thompson

Sport: Girls Badminton

April successes: In April, Thompson demonstrated exceptional skill on the court, securing an impressive 25-6 overall record in both singles and doubles play. Her dominance within the conference was highlighted by winning the No. 1 singles and No. 2 doubles championships during the West Suburban Conference (WSC) Gold Division Tournament on May 1. Throughout the month, Thompson proved herself a formidable competitor by remaining undefeated against any opponent ranked outside the state’s top 12. Her notable victories include wins over several high-caliber programs, including a significant win against perennial rival Hinsdale South High School. In recognition of her outstanding performance, Thompson earned All-Conference honors. Her contributions were instrumental in leading the team to a 2nd-place finish in the WSC Gold regular-season standings. Thompson also qualified to compete in the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Girls Badminton State Tournament for the second consecutive year and was recently named as the Suburban Life Athlete of the Week for Badminton.

Name: Jae Newman

Sport: Boys Gymnastics

April successes: Newman has been the driving force behind the Boys Gymnastics Team’s success this season, most notably breaking the school record on floor exercise with a 9.6. He has achieved scores of 9.0 or higher on nearly every event and has guided the squad to an exceptional 6-1 record (the team’s only loss was against the defending state champions). Under Newman’s leadership, the team has successfully replaced a large graduating class to earn a top-three ranking in the state. While the roster is smaller this year, Newman embodies the "small but mighty" spirit and "no-quit" attitude of a true Willowbrook Warrior. Newman also qualified to compete in the Illinois High School Gymnastics Coaches Association (IHSGCA) State Meet for the third consecutive year and finished in 1st place (State Champion) on the horizontal bar! Watch his winning routine, and view photos, at www.dupage88.net/Newman-BoysGymnasticsStateChamp2026. 

* This monthly recognition honors Willowbrook student-athletes and is sponsored by Anyway’s (www.anywayspub.com/oakbrook-terrace/). Recipients are presented with a plaque and a $25 gift certificate to Anyway’s.