Nathan Preator was named the latest winner of the Senior Athlete of the Year at Powell High School, as the standout tennis and basketball player took the title among a number of contenders.

“There are some very talented athletes, so it was a really cool accomplishment,” Preator said. “For me, it was nice to be able to see that what I’ve done and see that the work I’ve put in has been recognized.”

Preator stood out on the court for the Panthers, as a four year tennis singles starter, his first two seasons as the No. 2 singles player and his final two as the No. 1 player.

“Tennis was one where I learned a new lesson almost every time I was on the court,” Preator said. “Even if I wasn’t better than some of my opponents physically or skill-wise, I found I was able to beat a lot of people mentally. Learning that in tennis also showed me how important the mental aspect is in every sport. It’s also taught me that there’s always room for improvement.”

He also spent several seasons on the hardwood for the Panthers at the highest level, earning rotational minutes on the 2023-24 state championship team, before being a key player his junior year and then a full-time starter his senior year.

In his senior season, Preator earned All-State in basketball while also being All-State in tennis his junior and senior seasons.

“I think probably my favorite memory was state tennis my senior year because I was a low seed going into state, but I was able to knock off some super tough opponents and make it to the championship,” he said. “Senior night of basketball was also a great memory. Our team played a great game in our last home game of the year and beat Cody which is always nice too.”

During his career Preator also suited up for the Panther football team briefly as well as running for the track team.

While having success in a number of different areas, Preator said one of the most important things he is going to take from being a Panther is the relationships he’s made and the importance of work ethic.

“The first thing that comes to mind is relationships, and how by playing sports you get to meet so many new people and build those connections, which are so important,” Preator said. “Another thing sports showed me is how if you really work at something then you will improve in it.”

While he found success in sports and made new friends along the way, Preator said one of the biggest lessons he learned in high school he will take with him into his future endeavors.

“Sports aren’t everything. I think that they are a great thing and that everyone should at least try them, but at the end of the day, there is so much more to life,” Preator said. “Another thing (I learned) is to put full effort into everything you do.”

That effort is something he believes the next generation of Panthers should definitely utilize in the future, as he believes that is one of the keys to being successful in sports.

“Don’t expect to get better at something if you aren’t willing to work at it. I’d also add that being coachable is crucial to being successful in sports,” he said. “Finally, learn from your failures.”

There have been a number of coaches and teammates who helped Preator along the way, and he wanted to thank them and his family for their support over the years.

“I’d like to thank my dad who has been the best coach that I’ve had in my high school career and has taught me so much, and my mom for always supporting me,” Preator said. “My grandpa has also been one of my biggest supporters showing up to every event. I’m so blessed to have an amazing family and set of coaches who have led me through my high school years. Finally, I want to thank God.”