The Dexter Athletic Department recognizes outstanding Dexter student-athletes with the Athlete of the Month program. Each month, student-athletes who have shown a combination of outstanding performance, leadership, and/or exemplary effort will be recognized. Head coaches make nominations for their student-athlete(s), then recipients are selected by a committee of Dexter administrators. This month, we had so much to celebrate that three were chosen! Congratulations to our May Athletes of the Month!
Senior Track & Field thrower Kera Root is the absolute definition of a student-athlete, dominating both the classroom and the throwing circles with unmatched grace and grit. As the Girls Track & Field team captain, she put on a masterclass on May 7, capturing the SEC Conference Championship in both the Shot Put and Discus—a massive contribution to Dexter’s overall team score, helping the Dreadnaughts finish second, the highest the Girls team has placed since joining the SEC Red Division.
Just one week later, she carried that momentum into the Regional Championship. After securing a brilliant third-place finish in the Discus to punch her ticket to States, Kera proved that she was far from finished. She went on to claim second in the Shot Put, unleashing lifetime personal bests in both events on the exact same day. With that historic performance, Kera became only the second thrower in school history to qualify for the State Championship in both events in a single year.
At the MHSAA Division 1 State Finals, she stood tall among the best in Michigan, placing 12th in Shot Put and 14th in Discus. To put an exclamation point on a legendary season, Kera shattered our school’s 31-year-old Discus record and was rightfully named Team MVP as our top point scorer. She also graduated Summa Cum Laude and earned the SEC Senior Scholar-Athlete Award.
Throws Coach Kirk Keebler said, “while her fierce competitive spirit, leadership, and raw athletic talent will leave a massive void next season, her journey is just beginning.” Kera will take her talents to Cleary University this fall to study business management and compete for the Cougars Track & Field team.
Senior baseball player Mason McAllister’s selection as Athlete of the Month is a well‑earned recognition of his dedication, leadership, and standout performance both in competition and in the classroom. Known for his relentless work ethic and positive attitude, Mason consistently set the standard for his teammates, pushing himself to improve while inspiring those around him to do the same.
His senior season proved to be a great one. He went 7-1 as a pitcher, throwing 56 strikeouts while holding a 0.923 ERA. He was the winning pitcher for the district championship and regional semi-final and was elected to the All-SEC, All-District, and All-Region teams.
According to Head Coach Hank Dreffs, “Mason’s commitment to excellence, sportsmanship, and representing Dexter with pride makes him a deserving honoree and a true example of what it means to be a Dreadnaught.”
A Summa Cum Laude graduate, Mason also served as captain of the baseball team and was a member of the National Honor Society. In the fall, he will attend Parkland College in Champagne, IL and will play baseball for the Cobras.
Our second female Athlete of the Month award honors junior lacrosse player Ella Rogalski, whose performance and leadership defined their season. With 76 total points on the year, including an outstanding 24-point May (18 goals, 6 assists). Ella consistently delivered when it mattered most.
A true student of the game, Ella’s preparation, lacrosse IQ, and commitment to improvement set the standard both on and off the field. Her impact went far beyond the stat sheet, serving as a steady leader and example for her teammates every day.
May was highlighted by an exhilarating playoff moment: an overtime game-winning goal in the regional semifinal against Saline, showcasing her ability to rise in the biggest moments. With 208 career points and counting, Ella continues to leave a lasting mark on the program through excellence, dedication, and leadership.
Ella excels in all aspects of being a student-athlete. She has a 3.96 GPA and is an active member of the National Honor Society. She also leads her peers as the student chair of Unified Sports and will serve as president of Student Council as a senior.
- AOTM
- AOTM 2025-2026