POUGHKEEPSIE – Poughkeepsie High School celebrated the accomplishments of its varsity athletes during its annual athletic awards ceremony on Monday evening. Teams recognized standout performers with Most Valuable Player, Most Improved, and Sportsmanship awards, while select athletes were honored with All-League, All-Section, and All-Section Sportsmanship distinctions.
The evening culminated with the presentation of the school’s highest athletic honors: Female Athlete of the Year and Male Athlete of the Year.
Female Athlete of the Year: Kyshina Justus-Gause
A dominant force in both volleyball and softball throughout her high school career, Kyshina Justus-Gause was named Poughkeepsie’s Female Athlete of the Year after an outstanding four-year run as a two-sport standout.
An extraordinary four-year starter in volleyball and softball, Justus-Gause built her reputation on elite performance, consistency, and leadership. Coaches describe her as the ultimate teammate — someone who routinely put the needs of others before her own, often stopping her own drills to help younger athletes improve.
On the volleyball court, Justus-Gause delivered a spectacular senior season. She recorded 41 kills while posting an exceptional .491 hitting percentage. Her service game proved equally dangerous as she totaled 57 aces and maintained an .840 serving percentage. Defensively, she contributed 36 digs, three solo blocks, and seven block assists, demonstrating her ability to impact every phase of the game.
Beyond the statistics, coaches praised her leadership and court awareness, noting her ability to elevate those around her and help transform the program into a competitive force.
Her success carried over to the softball field, where she started at first base and hit near the top of the order. A steady leader and mentor, Justus-Gause took pride in helping younger players develop their batting skills and confidence.
Opposing teams quickly learned to fear her presence at the plate. Her smooth, effortless swing consistently drove balls into the outfield, helping her compile a .480 batting average during her senior season. She recorded 12 singles, two doubles, five RBIs, and scored 11 runs.
“Kyshina is a smart, athletic young lady with a bright future,” said coaches Nedra Garriques and Megan Bender. “She will be missed tremendously.”
Through her accomplishments, leadership, and commitment to her teammates, Justus-Gause leaves behind a lasting legacy and a new standard for future Poughkeepsie athletes.
Male Athlete of the Year: Tazjir Gary
The Male Athlete of the Year honor went to Tazjir Gary, a dynamic three-sport athlete who excelled in football, basketball, and baseball during his time at Poughkeepsie High School.
While Gary’s athletic talents were evident across multiple sports, it was his electrifying play on the basketball court that left a lasting impression.
“Tazjir is an outstanding young man with a passion and desire to succeed at the next level,” said basketball coach Mark Bianco. “Night in and night out, he has the ability to take over a game and be the best player on the floor.”
Known for his explosive athleticism, Gary became a fan favorite with his above-the-rim style of play.
“He literally plays above the rim and is a human highlight reel,” Bianco said. “He is a leader not by what he says, but by how he plays the game. He brings energy every possession.”
Although his offensive talents drew attention, Bianco pointed to Gary’s commitment to improving defensively as one of his greatest achievements.
“We had a long talk before the season about how he needed to improve his defense, and he did just that,” Bianco said. “He busted his tail in every drill and every practice, and it transitioned to game play.”
Gary’s efforts earned him All-League honors, MVP recognition at the Bronxville Tournament, and a selection to the Dutchess County Coaches Association Senior All-Star Game.
Yet for Bianco, Gary’s impact extended far beyond basketball.
“I love that kid like a son and I’m truly going to miss him — not for what he brings on the court, but just being around him as an individual,” Bianco said. “His parents raised him right, and they should be proud.”
Gary’s athletic excellence, work ethic, and character made him a natural choice for the school’s top male athletic honor.
As Poughkeepsie High School celebrated another successful athletic year, the stories of Justus-Gause and Gary served as reminders that the school’s greatest athletes are measured not only by their accomplishments, but also by the leadership, dedication, and sportsmanship they bring to their teams and community.
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