2026 Boys Field Athlete of the Year: Rico Mabberley
Now that the spring sports season has come to a close, it’s time to reveal the All-Coastal Preps teams. Over the next week, you will get to know more about the players of the year while also seeing who made first and second team in boys golf, boys tennis, boys and girls lacrosse, boys and girls track & field, girls soccer, softball, and baseball.
For the second year in a row, the Coastal Preps Boys Field Athlete of the Year is junior Rico Mabberley from Topsail.
Rico’s Accomplishments
Total dominance. That’s the best way to describe Rico Mabberley’s season in shot put.
The standout junior proved he’s not only one of the best throwers in the state, but also in the nation this spring. Mabberly’s incredible throw of 62-10 at Ashley on March 5 easily broke the area record and was the best distance in the state.
He had the nine farthest throws in the area, all of which went at least 58 feet. No other thrower reached the 48-foot mark.
Mabberley easily captured the Carolina Coast Conference title (61-10), NCHSAA 7A East Regional (58-2), and 7A State Championship (59-0.25).
He became Topsail’s second state champion, joining discus thrower Ahmad Garrison from 2007.
Mabberley also continued to improve throughout the season in the discus. His season-best distance of 141-5 gave him a fourth-place finish at regionals. A week later, he placed ninth at states (137-8).
Topsail junior Rico Mabberley is the 2026 Coastal Preps Boys Field Athlete of the Year. [Tim Hower/Coastal Preps]
More about Rico
Favorite Restaurant(s): Portillo’s
Favorite Movie(s): Toy Story
Favorite TV Show(s): Dragon Ball Z
Favorite Athlete(s): Ryan Crouser, Walter Payton, and Joe Kovacs
Favorite memory from this season: Winning the state title for indoor and outdoor.
Favorite memory from your career: Winning Adidas Nationals my sophomore year.
Favorite thing about your school or team: They are so supportive. I couldn’t ask for a better team.
Do you have any superstitions or pre-game rituals? If so, what are they?: Listening to the song Eye of the Tiger.
What app on your phone do you use the most?: Instagram
Where is one place you’ve never been that you’d like to visit?: I’ve always wanted to see Japan.
Do you prefer cold or hot weather?: Cold weather for sure.
Would you rather watch a movie at home or in the theater?: Home on my couch.
Do you have a sweet tooth? If so, what is your favorite treat?: Absolutely. Definitely ice cream.
If you could have dinner with any 3 people (dead or alive), who would they be?: Ryan Crouser, Joe Kovacs, and Tom Walsh
What 3 items would you bring with you to a deserted island?: A shot put, water, and food.
What is one hidden talent you have that most people don’t know about?: I love playing guitar.
What is your favorite milkshake flavor from Cook Out?: Reese’s is the best 100 percent.
What is one thing you want people to know about you besides being a great athlete?: That no matter what happens, I’ll always be there for someone. Everyone has such an amazing purpose, and I’ll never leave anyone’s side until they fully understand that.
