TPH Academy Announces 4th Annual Impact Players of the Year
TPH Academy is proud to recognize the 4th Annual Impact Players of the Year, celebrating a group of student-athletes who represent the very best of our academy community. Across every TPH campus, student-athletes show up each day committed to their growth in the classroom, in competition, and in their communities. This recognition reflects that collective standard, while highlighting six individuals whose impact has stood out among an exceptional group.
Selected by campus leadership teams across TPH Academy worldwide, this year’s recipients embody what it means to be an Impact Player through consistent academic achievement, high-level athletic development, leadership, and a commitment to serving others. View all nominees here.
Each award recipient will receive scholarship support for the upcoming academic year, a TPH Academy apparel stipend, and recognition in TPH’s annual Impact Report. They will also be honored alongside their families in a virtual celebration with TPH Academy leadership.
Being an Impact Player means more than performance. It is about how student-athletes show up for others, how they respond to challenges, and how they elevate the environment around them. This year’s group reflects that standard at the highest level.
Hanna Ciubotaru
TPH Academy Nashville | Grade 7 | Taekwondo and Tennis
Hanna Ciubotaru continues to raise the bar for what it means to be a well-rounded student-athlete. At TPH Nashville, she has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA while taking on advanced coursework, including a high school-level Creative Writing class. Beyond the classroom, Hanna competes at a high level in both tennis and taekwondo. She trains at Farm & Forge Tennis Club and is a 3rd-degree black belt and multi-category state champion in taekwondo.
Her impact extends throughout the Nashville community. From supporting organizations like Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee and Critter Cavalry Rescue to leading trail maintenance projects and serving through the Golden Tate Foundation Santa’s Elves program, Hanna consistently gives back. She is also a natural mentor, supporting peers academically and helping guide younger athletes at her dojo.
“Hanna is a truly exceptional student-athlete whose impact extends far beyond her individual achievements…Hanna embodies everything the TPH National Impact Player of the Year award represents: excellence, leadership, resilience, and a genuine commitment to uplifting others. Her ability to excel across academics, athletics, the arts, and service while inspiring those around her makes her a truly deserving candidate.” - Lisa Mannion, TPH Academy Nashville Head of Academics
Mitchell Mars
TPH Academy Grand Rapids | Grade 11 | Ice Hockey
Mitchell Mars has been a cornerstone of TPH Grand Rapids since the 2020–21 season. Academically, he has earned Highest Honors every year while maintaining a 3.8 cumulative GPA. On the ice, his development has been significant, advancing from a Tier 2 player to competing at the Tier 1 level with Fox Motors. His performance earned him selection in the USHL Draft by Youngstown, along with appearances with USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program U17 and game action with Youngstown this season. He is also committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at Miami (OH).
Mitchell’s impact goes well beyond performance. He is consistently involved in community service, including wheelchair skates, park cleanups, Habitat for Humanity, and Adopt-A-Family initiatives. Within the academy, he leads by example and is a trusted resource for younger athletes.
“Mitch treats every athlete with respect and gratitude, setting the standard for those around him. A consistent leader and model student since 2020–21, he puts in the work every day and has earned everything through relentless effort.”- Taylor Keyworth, TPH Academy Grand Rapids Director
Sullivan (Sully) Menke
TPH Academy Philadelphia | Grade 11 | Ice Hockey
Sullivan Menke defines what it means to lead with purpose. In the classroom, he takes on a demanding academic load that includes multiple AP courses while preparing for the SAT, all with a level of discipline and time management well beyond his years. On the ice, he has elevated his game within the 16U AAA Philadelphia Jr. Flyers program, earning a spot on the 18U AAA team for next season through relentless effort, coachability, and a commitment to improvement that shows up in the extra hours he puts in every day.
What truly sets Sullivan apart is the impact he has on the people around him. He is a natural mentor, serving as a steady, trusted presence for younger student-athletes, while also leading initiatives across the academy from service projects to community-building events like the TPH Philly Olympics. His leadership is rooted in action, humility, and a genuine care for others. Even through personal challenges, including navigating his first year away from home, Sullivan has shown resilience and maturity, turning adversity into growth and strengthening the relationships around him. He consistently raises the standard within the academy, not just through what he accomplishes, but through how he shows up for others every single day.
“Mentorship is one of the strongest parts of Sullivan’s character. He’s become a big-brother figure to so many of the younger athletes in our program, helping them with schoolwork, guiding them through tough moments, and being someone they can rely on. He shows up every day with a work ethic that pushes everyone else to be better, and he carries himself with a level of maturity that younger athletes naturally look up to. He has been a steady, positive presence through the good days and the hard ones, and he never hesitates to help someone who needs it. Sullivan embodies everything we stand for as a TPH Community.”- Isabelle Lebrun, TPH Academy Philadelphia Head of Academics
Rhiannon Riethmiller
TPH Academy Denver | Grade 8 | Hockey
Rhiannon Riethmiller sets the standard for what it means to be an Impact Player at TPH Academy. She has maintained a perfect academic record, earning nothing less than an A while demonstrating discipline, ownership, and a genuine commitment to learning. On the ice, she consistently seeks out the highest level of challenge, competing with both the U14 Lady Warriors and the U14 Arapahoe Warriors boys team to accelerate her development. Her growth is driven by daily effort, resilience, and a mindset focused on long-term success, positioning her for opportunities with elite programs like Shattuck-St. Mary’s.
What separates Rhiannon is her impact on others. She leads through service, actively contributing to community initiatives and fostering a culture of inclusion and accountability within the academy. As a mentor, she supports her peers with humility and intention, helping those around her grow in confidence and connection. Even while navigating personal challenges, she shows up every day with positivity, purpose, and consistency. Rhiannon embodies the values of trust, humility, and teamwork, raising the standard for everyone around her.
“Rhiannon embodies what TPH looks for in a student-athlete: consistent excellence, coachability, and leadership through action. She has shown a willingness to confront challenges head-on, continuously working to refine her skills, improve her pace, and compete at a higher standard. Her growth is not accidental—it is the result of consistent effort, coachability, and a mindset centered on long-term development over short-term success. Rhiannon exemplifies the TPH values of trust, humility, and team. She is not just a leader because of what she achieves, but because of how she makes others better. She is kind, positive, hard-working, and talented. She works hard every day, and always brings a great attitude.” - Kevin Hiler, TPH Academy Denver Head of Academics
Gabriella Verbeelen
TPH Academy Austin | Grade 9 | Soccer
Gabriella Verbeelen has quickly established herself as a leader within TPH Austin through her consistency, maturity, and impact on those around her. In the classroom, she has achieved and sustained a 4.5 GPA while also taking on the added challenge of a French immersion program, where she studies advanced coursework entirely in French. Her ability to balance a demanding academic schedule reflects both her discipline and her commitment to growth.
On the field, Gabby’s development has been just as impressive. After earning the opportunity to play up within two months of the season, she stepped into the starting goalkeeper role and elevated her performance through attention to detail, coachability, and a relentless work ethic. Beyond academics and athletics, Gabby’s impact is felt most in her leadership. She has embraced opportunities to represent TPH Austin, connect with prospective families, and lead meaningful community outreach, including her work with a Life Skills classroom where she demonstrated true inclusion and empathy. Gabby leads by example every day, holding herself and others to a high standard, and consistently making those around her better.
“Gabby is the perfect embodiment of the total package when it comes to being a leader, captain, and mentor for all. She definitely leads by example, holds her teammates accountable, and is always willing to lend a hand. She makes everyone else around her better.” - Stan Brown, TPH Academy Austin Director and Head of Academics
Trey Wilson
TPH St. Louis Hockey Academy | Grade 11 | Ice Hockey
Trey Wilson’s journey is a powerful example of what long-term commitment and daily discipline can produce. A consistent 4.0 student, Trey approaches academics with intention, focus, and a genuine desire to learn, setting the tone in the classroom through his preparation and maturity. Since joining TPH St. Louis in its inaugural year, he has transformed himself on the ice from an A2-level player into a leading scorer on the #1-ranked Tier 1 AAA U16 team in the country, earning selection in the 2025 USHL Futures Draft by the Fargo Force. His development has been built through relentless effort, attention to detail, and a willingness to attack weaknesses, evolving into a complete and reliable 200-foot player.
What separates Trey is how he shows up every day. He leads through consistency, humility, and a commitment to doing things the right way, whether mentoring younger athletes in the Big Brother program, serving on the Leadership Board, or giving his time through community service. Even through adversity, Trey has remained focused on growth, finding ways to improve and move forward. He is a direct reflection of the TPH standard, raising the bar for those around him through his actions.
“Trey exemplifies everything TPH St. Louis Hockey Academy stands for. He is humble, coachable, and respectful, and he carries himself the right way every single day. He leads quietly through his actions and sets the standard for what it means to be a true student-athlete in our program. At the same time, he brings a strong competitive drive and a clear desire to be the best, balancing that edge with humility. Trey is a direct reflection of our culture: growth, consistency, accountability, and doing things the right way.” - Philip McRae, TPH St. Louis Hockey Academy Director
Across every campus, TPH student-athletes continue to raise the standard for what is possible through commitment, structure, and daily intention. This year’s Impact Players of the Year represent that standard at the highest level, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements alongside the entire TPH community.
Ready to take the next step in your development? Apply now to TPH Academy and experience an environment built for aspiring-elite student-athletes who want more from their academics, their sport, and their future.
View past TPH Academy Impact Players of the Year
RECENT NEWS
Connect with
#Teamtph
Connect with our team and learn how TPH Academy can help you or your student-athlete take the next step in academics, athletics, and life.