Voting is over to determine Lexington County’s male and female Athletes of the Year.

After two weeks of voting, 48 athletes were whittled down to 12, six boys and six girls. Last week, the final vote occurred with two athletes coming away victorious.

Over 1,000 votes were cast, and the count came down to the wire. The boys poll was incredibly close, with the winner receiving just two more votes than the next closest contestant.

The winners become the Lexington County Chronicle’s Athletes of the Year. The 2023-24 school year saw many athletes achieve success, but voters decided these two stood out among the rest.

Cade McNeil

Northside Christian’s Cade McNeil is the 2024 Lexington County male Athlete of the Year. McNeil is a multi-sport athlete who was a member of the basketball, baseball and cross-country teams.

McNeil played a vital role on all three teams. He was named Region Player of the Year as a member of a balanced Northside Christian team that won its second consecutive region championship, this time going undefeated against conference opponents. McNeil was also part of the region-winning baseball team and was clutch from the plate. During the cross-country season, he was often one of the highest finishers on his team.

McNeil was a junior last year and will return next year with an opportunity to add to his accolades.

Livi Warren

Livi Warren is Lexington’s female Athlete of the Year. The Lexington High School student was a core piece of the school’s softball team that finished runner-up in the 2024 5A state playoffs.

Warren could be counted on for a hit almost every other time she was at the plate. She finished the season with a .456 batting average, 23 RBIs and 17 stolen bases, earning her second All-Region and first All-State honor. 

Despite only being a sophomore last season, Warren played with the prowess of a veteran varsity player. She enjoys her own success but also uplifts her teammates and celebrates them when they accomplish something.

Warren can return to Lexington for her final two seasons and try to get back to the title game, and this time, hopefully win it.