Tungsvik, Hale Honored as Tacoma Athletic Commission Athletes of the Year
Pierce College standouts Samantha Tungsvik and Cameron Hale have been named the 2025 Tacoma Athletic Commission Athletes of the Year, an honor that recognizes exceptional athletic performance, leadership, and academic achievement among community college athletes in the South Sound region.
The Tacoma Athletic Commission Athlete of the Year event is a celebration dedicated to recognizing the exceptional talents and achievements of student-athletes from all 35 schools across Pierce County. This annual gathering honors outstanding athletes from every sport, highlighting their hard work, dedication, and contributions to their teams and communities. The event also aims to inspire future generations and emphasize the role of sports in fostering personal growth and community spirit.
Selection Process
Athletes are chosen through a thorough and collaborative process. Each season, the Athlete of the Year committee reviews nominations submitted by Athletic Directors from across Pierce County. One recipient is selected from each sport, ensuring broad recognition of outstanding talent across all disciplines. Athletic Directors are encouraged to involve their coaches in the nomination process to help ensure the most deserving student-athletes are considered for this prestigious recognition.
Samantha Tungsvik: Female Athlete of the Year
A dynamic two-way player for the Raiders Softball team, Samantha Tungsvik capped off her sophomore season with an impressive list of accolades on both sides of the game. Primarily a pitcher and middle infielder, Tungsvik earned a spot on the North Region Second Team as an infielder—making her the only Raider named to the NWAC All-Region team this season.
Tungsvik posted a stellar .417 batting average and a .630 slugging percentage, collecting 45 hits in 108 at-bats. Her offensive output included 15 doubles, one triple, and two home runs, while she also crossed the plate 45 times and drove in 19 runs. A disciplined hitter, Tungsvik earned 18 walks and struck out just 11 times across 36 games.
In the pitching circle, Tungsvik was equally formidable. She led the team with 95.2 innings pitched, tallying 11 complete games and striking out 83 batters on the season.
Academically, Tungsvik has been just as dominant. She was recently named to the All-NWAC Academic Team, a recognition reserved for student-athletes with sophomore eligibility, at least 60 credits earned, and a minimum GPA of 3.25. Samantha surpassed that standard with a cumulative GPA above 3.5, highlighting her commitment to excellence both in the classroom and on the field.
Cameron Hale: Male Athlete of the Year
Cameron Hale, a sophomore first baseman for the Raiders Baseball team, was selected as the Male Athlete of the Year, closing out a productive season as a key contributor on both offense and defense.
At the plate, Hale finished the season with a .299 batting average and a .397 slugging percentage, delivering 52 hits in 174 at-bats. His totals included six doubles, four triples, and a home run. He scored 25 runs and notched 28 RBIs, proving to be a reliable presence in the Raiders lineup.
On the defensive side, Hale was outstanding at first base, finishing the year with a .979 fielding percentage. He committed just eight errors in 390 total chances, racking up 367 putouts, 15 assists, and turning 19 double plays.
Celebrating Excellence
The Tacoma Athletic Commission’s Athlete of the Year Awards not only celebrate athletic performance but also sportsmanship, academic success, and impact within the community. Both Tungsvik and Hale exemplify what it means to be a student-athlete at Pierce College—dedicated, disciplined, and driven.
Their achievements reflect the strength of Raider Athletics, which continues to build on a tradition of success both on the field and in the classroom. Congratulations to Samantha and Cameron on this well-deserved recognition!