Bonkowske, Cosovan named Liberty's athletes of the year

Three-sport athletes Jacoby Bonkowske and Emilie Cosovan — both of whom were eighth graders — on May 29 were named Liberty Middle School’s male and female athlete of the year, respectively, for the 2025-26 school year.

Both student-athletes played soccer in the fall and basketball in the winter before participating in track and field this spring, and both keyed their teams to fine seasons.

Cosovan’s Lady Knights won the Foothills Athletic Conference regular-season title in soccer (the postseason tournament was canceled) and claimed the title at the FAC track championship meet as well, while Bonkowske’s LMS soccer and basketball squads earned second-place finishes, and the boys track team placed third.

The athlete of the year was Bonkowske’s second after he also won the award from Morganton Day School as a fifth grader.

Despite not playing forward, Bonkowske scored three goals in soccer (including two in one game) and helped guide the team with his leadership, experience, and skill.

“Jacoby won two soccer conference championships (at Liberty, as a sixth- and seventh-grader) and showed great leadership in practice, in games, and in the locker room,” Knights head soccer coach Cliff Watson said. “Even with his great success, he was humble and kind. He maintained a positive attitude and exhibited mental toughness in his ability to carry his team on his shoulders.”

In hoops season, Bonkowske averaged 14 points, five rebounds, five steals, and three assists per game, with his season-highs including 21 points and 11 steals.

After the middle school season was over, Bonkowske was selected to play in the Fab 40 Middle School Showcase in Swannanoa, one of just three Burke County boys players to earn that honor.

“Jacoby showed tremendous growth during his time playing for me at Liberty, both as a player and as a leader,” said LMS boys basketball coach and athletic director Chris Wiseman. “He consistently brought a competitive mindset to practice and games, always pushing himself to improve while encouraging those around him to do the same. His work ethic, leadership, and drive to get better made him an important part of our program. He will be greatly missed, and I cannot wait to watch what he does at the next level.”

In track, Bonkowske won the triple jump (38’4”) at the FAC championship meet, where he also placed second in the high jump (5’6”) and long jump (17’7½”) and third in the eighth-grade 100 meters (12.31).

It was another all-star outing for Bonkowske after track ended at LMS, as he won the triple jump at the NCRunners All-State Middle School meet in Concord early last month.

“Jacoby is highlighted by phenomenal, pure athleticism,” Liberty track coach Connor Rudisill said. “However, even with all the athletic ability, character is what makes Jacoby athlete of the year. He is humble in victory and always willing to put in the work to improve during adversity or failure.

“Jacoby is very coachable and disciplined when improving his craft. He set school records this season in both the long jump and triple jump. I am most proud of Jacoby for his work this season on his competitive nature and the desire to win.”

Cosovan, meanwhile, scored 12 goals during soccer season, posting two hat tricks and scoring two goals in another game as the Lady Knights claimed a FAC title for a third straight season. Her LMS teams outscored the opposition by a combined 172-28 margin over her three years.

“Emilie won three soccer conference championships (at LMS) and was the muscle of her team,” Watson said. “Her ability to play through injury and still give 100 percent until the final whistle was spectacular to witness. That no-quit attitude was infectious and spread throughout the team.

“It has been a pleasure to coach both these athletes in soccer over the last three years. They both embody the meaning of a true athlete. I wish both Jacoby and Emilie continued athletic success as they become Patton Panthers.”

This past winter, Cosovan’s season-high in basketball of 10 points came at league champion and rival Table Rock in the season finale.

“You can’t coach effort, and Emilie brought it every single day during practice and during games,” Liberty coach Ashlyn Castle said. “She stepped up to be a leader when she was needed and didn’t quit.”

And in track season, Cosovan won the 200 meters (28.39) and finished second in the 400 meters (1:08.18) and third in the eighth-grade 100 meters (14.03) and the 100-meter hurdles (17.64) at the FAC championship meet as LMS lifted the team title.

“What stands out to me most about Emilie is the desire to be great,” Rudisill said. “This is most seen through her phenomenal work ethic. Emilie also never missed an optional Friday practice, which showed commitment and a desire to improve. It paid off as she set a school record in the hurdles and was key in our effort to win a conference championship. I am most proud of Emilie for her improvement on staying calm and resilient when faced with adversity.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to coach these athletes, and I look forward to seeing what they accomplish in high school across all sports.”