CoGo's Unsung Hero: Winchester Thurston's Ayanna Townsend

Townsend, of Winchester Thurston School, likely won't be "unsung" very much longer.

The talented sophomore is a member of the Winchester Thurston crew, girls basketball and girls track and field teams. While she excels in all three sports, it's on the basketball court that she is making her name known throughout the WPIAL.

Townsend averaged a double-double in leading Winchester Thurston to the second round of the WPIAL playoffs and entrenched herself as a player to watch not only in Class A/Section 4 but throughout the region.

"Ayanna is a great girl on and off the court," Winchester Thurston athletic director Kevin Miller said. "She is undoubtedly a good ball player, but she is also incredibly kind and supportive of her classmates and also a very good student."

The High School Sports Unsung Hero Award, presented by CoGo's, recognizes local student-athletes who have dedicated themselves to sports and academics, but traditionally have not received the deserved attention.

Criteria for selection is based on sportsmanship, scholastics, dedication to the sport and team members, success on the field, relationship with officials, school district personnel, the community, and current and former team members.

Townsend has shined away from the basketball court as well, winning a silver medal at the Schuylkill Regatta in Philadelphia this past fall. She currently hopes to qualify for the WPIALs in track.

In addition to her athletic success, Townsend is an honor student and is active in her North Side community. She packages food for the area food banks at her church and volunteers every year for the annual Pumpkin Fest on the North Side.