Mac soccer standout near top of national competition

Edwin “Isai” Cuevas-George, a senior at McMinnville High School and two-time Class 6A Pacific Conference Player of the Year in varsity boys soccer, is in the running to be named the Youth Athlete of the Year as part of a fundraiser for the Why Not You Foundation.

He is currently second in his group of entered participants.

The foundation, created by former National Football League and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, holds the annual fundraiser as a way to raise awareness for the nonprofit organization. According to its website, the foundation “works to equip individuals with the tools, resources, and mindset to create positive change in their lives and communities.”

Youth athletes like Cuevas-George can join the Athlete of the Year competition for free. Winners have the chance to take home $25,000 and represent Wilson’s 3Brand in Sports Illustrated and on CBS.

Entering his senior year, Cuevas-George has more than 50 career high school goals. On top of his role in helping the Grizzlies make the 6A State Championship game in 2024 and another playoff appearance in 2025, he was named to the 2025 Elite Club National League U16 All-Region team for Westside Metros FC.

The first cut for voting is Thursday, August 27, at 8 p.m. Pacific Time. Anyone hoping to learn more and vote for Cuevas-George can do so at athleteoftheyear.org/2026/edwin-826e.