Award Nominations
WIN for Columbia celebrates local female athletes
nominations for 2026 awards open in november 2026.
Annually, WIN for Columbia recognizes achievement in sport in seven different categories at an awards event in February.
Nominees are limited to those who represent a Columbia-based sports team or are a resident, physically present in Columbia the vast majority of the year.
If you know an incredible female athlete you feel would make a worthy winner of one of our seven categories, listed below, please click Nominate.
Nominations are now open.
Lynda Tealer
Senior Vice President of Championships NCAA
2026 WIN Awards Event Speaker
Category Descriptions
Youth Female Athlete of the Year Award
Recipient will have demonstrated athletic achievement within the past year. Athletic participation, school and community involvement, and outstanding leadership, and sportsmanship are the criteria for this award.
High School Sportswoman of the Year Award
Recipient will have demonstrated superior athletic achievement within the past year. Athletic participation, school and community involvement, outstanding leadership, and sportsmanship are the criteria for this award.
Collegiate Sportswoman of the Year Award
Recipient will have demonstrated superior athletic achievement within the past year. Athletic participation in an intercollegiate sport, school and community involvement, outstanding leadership, and sportsmanship are the criteria for this award.
Gladys Stankowski Sportswoman of the Year Award
Recipient will have demonstrated athletic achievement within the past year. Athletic participation, community involvement, as well as a commitment to a healthy, active lifestyle are the criteria for this award. Non-varsity collegiate athletes through senior athletes are eligible for this award.
Female Coach of the Year Award
Recipient will have excelled as a coach or fitness instructor within the past year. Criteria include significant contributions to the sport in Columbia, a genuine caring for her athletes and their development, a commitment to the highest standards of sportsmanship, and coaching success.
Mentor of the Year Award
Recipient will be a female who has advised a girl, woman, or group who has made a strong commitment to sports within the past year, by giving support, encouragement, time, resources, knowledge, and advice.
Inspiration Award
Recipient is recognized as a girl, woman, or group who has inspired others through courage, example, and/or motivation.
Mrs. Ann Walton Kroenke Leadership Award
Recipient will be a female who has exemplified the mission of WIN For Columbia by demonstrating outstanding leadership, both inside and outside her sports career. She is celebrated for her positive impact on others and the community around her.
Kent Heitholt Award
This award recipient is determined by the WIN for Columbia Board. Recipient will have made meaningful contributions to women’s and girls sports and lead others in encouragement to celebrate women’s athletic accomplishments as well.
Past award Winners
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2026 - Laine Cram, Taekwondo
2025 - A’Niya Howard, Softball, Swimming, Basketball
2024 - Channing Coslet, Volleyball and Cross Country
2023 – Dani Spratt, Volleyball Soccer, and Softball
2022 - Addie Eatherton, Cross Country, Track & Field, Volleyball and Basketball
2021 - n/a
2020 - Aubrey Willmeth, Soccer
2019 - Ella Swindle, Volleyball
2018 – Madison Grace Higginbotham, Basketball, Softball and Volleyball
2017 – Maren Jones, Softball
2016 – Eliyah Bennett, Softball, Volleyball and Basketball
2015 – Eryn Puett, Track & Field
2014 – Ellie Flanagan, Swimming
2013 – Kelley Tackett, Swimming
2012 – Eryn Puett, Basketball, Football, Soccer, Track & Field
2011 – Katherine Kadlec, Volleyball, Softball & Basketball
2010 – Ally Offerdahl, Taekwondo
2009 – Carly Offerdahl, Taekwondo
2008 – Nicole Mello, Track & Field
2007 – Alexa Shelton, Track & Field
2006 – Amina Shelton, Track & Field
2005 – Gwen Benjamin, Dancer
2004 – Amina Shelton, Track & Field
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2026 - Athena Peterson, Track & Field
2025 - Addie Morris, Softball
2024 - Athena Peterson, Volleyball and Track & Field
2023 – Athena Peterson, Volleyball and Track & Field
2022 - Abby Hay, Softball and Baseball
2021 - n/a
2020 - Tyra Wilson, Track & Field
2019 - Corinne Farid, Rock Bridge HS Tennis
2018 – Nicole Williams. Rock Bridge HS Swimming
2017 – Khristen Bryant, Columbia Independent School Cross Country, Soccer and Track & Field
2016 – Sophie Cunningham, Rock Bridge HS Basketball
2015 – Sophie Cunningham, Rock Bridge HS Basketball
2014 – Sophie Cunningham, Rock Bridge HS Basketball
2013 – Sydney Washington, Hickman HS Softball
2012 – Nicole Mello, Hickman HS Cross Country, Track & Swimming
2011 – Sarah Hall, Hickman HS Swimming & Basketball
2010 – Amaya Williams, Rock Bridge HS Basketball
2009 – Katherine Harry, Rock Bridge HS Basketball
2008 – Yvonne Anderson, Hickman HS Basketball
2007 – Laura Borduin, Rock Bridge HS Track
2006 – Claire Schaeperkoetter, Rock Bridge HS Basketball & Soccer
2005 – Kara Hickey, Rock Bridge HS Tennis & Track
2004 – Kaela Rorvig, Hickman HS Track & Basketball
2003 – Anna Rorvig, Hickman HS Basketball
2002 – Kira Reyes, Rock Bridge HS Soccer
2001 – Briana Fields, Hickman HS Basketball & Soccer
2000 – Tiffany Bohon, Hickman HS Swimming
1999 – Abbe Ohneck, Rock Bridge HS Track
1998 – Abbe Ohneck, Rock Bridge HS Volleyball, Basketball & Track
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2026 - Valentina Barrios
2025 - Jocelyn Moore, Mizzou Gymnastics
2024 - Sienna Schreiber, Mizzou Gymnastics
2023 – Arianna Fisher, Mizzou Track & Field
2022 - Lexi Dickerson, Columbia College Softball
2021 - n/a
2020 - Sophie Cunningham, Mizzou Basketball
2019 - Karissa Schweizer, Mizzou XC/Track & Field
2018 – Karissa Schweizer, Mizzou XC/Track & Field
2017 – Karissa Schweizer, Mizzou XC/Track & Field
2016 – Kearsten Peoples, Mizzou Track & Field
2015 – Kearsten Peoples, Mizzou Track & Field
2014 – Molly Kreklow, Mizzou Volleyball
2013 – Paula Ferreira, Columbia College Volleyball
2012 – Chelsea Thomas, Mizzou Softball
2011 – Jenna Marston, Mizzou Softball
2010 – Sarah Shire, Mizzou Gymnastics
2009 – Julia Potter, Mizzou Golf
2008 – Katie McMahon, Columbia College Softball
2007 – Jodie Heinicka, Mizzou Gymnastics
2006 – Lindsey Hunter, Mizzou Volleyball
2005 – Denise Knaebel, Mizzou Golf
2004 – Jayne Miller, Columbia College Softball
2003 – Alisha Robinson, MizzouO Gymnastics
2002 – Ann Marie Brooks, Mizzou XC/Track & Field
2001 – Ashley Wysong, Mizzou Track & Field
2000 – Deng Yang, Columbia College Volleyball
1999 – Nikki Thole, Mizzou Soccer
1998 – Zhang Zhe, Columbia College Volleyball
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2026 - Lisa Alvis, Rock Bridge HS Softball
2025 - Dawn Sullivan, Mizzou Volleyball
2024 - Cynthia Metz, Mizzou Cheer
2023 – Courtney Haskell, Hickman HS Softball
2022 - Larissa Anderson, Mizzou Softball
2021 - n/a
2020 - Meg Goddard, Columbia College Soccer
2019 - Wendy Spratt, Columbia College Softball
2018 – Wendy Spratt, Columbia College Softball
2017 – Robin Pingeton, Mizzou Women's Basketball
2016 – Jill Nagel, Rock Bridge HS Girls Basketball
2015 – Tonya Mirts, Hickman HS Girls Basketball
2014 – Lindsey Hunter and Deng Yang, Mizzou Volleyball
2013 – Melinda Wrye-Washington, Columbia College Volleyball
2012 – Melissa Coil, Rock Bridge HS Girls Golf
2011 – Melinda Wrye-Washington, Columbia College Volleyball
2010 – Melissa Tucci, Mizzou Softball
2009 – Jill Nagel, Rock Bridge HS Girls Basketball
2008 – Jill Nagel, Rock Bridge HS Girls Basketball
2007 – Melinda Wrye-Washington, Columbia College Volleyball
2006 – Wendy Spratt, Columbia College Softball
2005 – Rebecca Wilmes, Mizzou Track & Field
2004 – Melinda Wrye-Washington, Columbia College Volleyball
2003 – Tonya Mirts, Hickman HS Girls Basketball
2002 – Cindy Stein, Mizzou Women’s Basketball
2001 – Susan Kreklow, Columbia College Volleyball
2000 – Susan Kreklow, Columbia College Volleyball
1999 – Susan Kreklow, Columbia College Volleyball
1998 – Susan Kreklow, Columbia College Volleyball
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2026 - Liz Adcock, Battle HS
2025 - Ellie Eastman, Hickman HS
2024 - Samantha Symonds, Athletic Director, Battle HS
2023 – Jodi Rowe, Jefferson Middle School, Athletic Director, Volleyball & Basketball Coach
2022 - Gwen Wilson, Heart of Missouri Girls on the Run
2021 - n/a
2020 - Dawn Malone, Mizzou Strength & Conditioning
2019 - Jenna Rozum, Girls on the Run
2018 – Betty Bohon, Fitness Instructor
2017 – Paxton Welch, Rocker's Softball
2016 – Debbie Jameson, Executive Director Diamond Council
2015 – Scotta Morton, Mizzou Positive Coaching Program Director
2014 – Rachel Bennett, Battle HS
2013 – Paula Turnbull, Daniel Boone Little League
2012 – Susan Shaffer, Training Coordinator Special Olympics
2011 – Meghan Anderson, Mizzou Total Person Program
2010 – Deb Duren, Stephens College Athletic Director
2009 – Cindy Fotti, Columbia College Assistant Athletic Director
2008 – Judy Knudson, Physical Fitness & Health Advocate
2007 – Kathy Ritter, Rock Bridge HS Administrator
2006 – Edith Thompson, Mizzou Women’s Basketball
2005 – Linda LaFontaine, Columbia Track Club
2004 – Ann Sievers, Mizzou Swimming
2003 – Mikki Denny, Mizzou Soccer
2002 – Wendy Spratt, Columbia College Softball
2001 – Sarah Reesman, Mizzou Associate AD/SWA
2000 – Becky Oakes, MSHSAA
1999 – Dr. Christine Favazza, Mizzou Total Person Program
1998 – Carol Riney, Columbia Parks & Recreation
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2026 - Amanda Hulen, Professional Dancer
2025 - Ava Bush, Rock Bridge HS Softball
2024 - Rhyan Loos, Ollis Middle School, Volleyball
2023 – Sophia Rivera, Mizzou Track & Field
2022 - Kyra Reeves, Mizzou Soccer
2021 - n/a
2020 - Jordanne Panton, Mizzou Powerlifter
2019 - Erin Jones, Columbia College Soccer
2018 – Megan Cunningham, Mizzou XC/Track & Field
2017 – Jamie Kempfer, Mizzou XC/Track & Field
2016 – Lianna Doty, Mizzou Basketball
2015 – Billie Washburn, ARC Instructor
2014 – Bri Porter, Rock Bridge HS Basketball
2013 – Jordan Reeves, Dance, Soccer & Swimming
2012 – Eliyah Bennett, Swimming, Basketball, Softball
2011 – Kelsi Poe, Softball
2010 – Haley Wen, Swimming
2009 – Cara Walker, Equestrian
2008 – Katherine Caldwell, Swimming
2007 – Lauretta Wise, Runner
2006 – Nellie Dodd, Heart Transplant Survivor
2005 – Michelle Moran, Track & Field
2004 – Jodi Bolerjack, Hickman HS Soccer & Basketball
2003 – Jennifer Crooks, Rock Bridge HS Tennis
2002 – Laura Cotton, Rock Bridge HS Softball
2001 – Judy Knudson, Cycled Across America Twice
2000 – Tommye Stolt, Tennis
1999 – Stacy Schneider, Softball
1998 – Emily Varvaro, Soccer & Basketball
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2026 - Rock Bridge HS Cheer & Rock Bridge HS Bruin Girls
2025 - Columbia Rockers 14U Softball & Columbia College Women’s Soccer
2024 - Father Tolton Catholic HS Cross Country and Soccer Teams
2023 - Father Tolton Catholic HS Cross Country Team
2022 - Rock Bridge HS Girls Dance Team; Daniel Boone Little League Softball Team
2021 - n/a
2019 - Rock Bridge HS Girls Tennis; Columbia College Softball; Columbia College Volleyball; Missouri Stealth 18U Softball; Daniel Boone Little League Majors All-Star 12U Softball; Sporting Columbia Girls '08 Navy Soccer
2018 – Rock Bridge HS Girls Tennis; Columbia College Softball
2017 – Rock Bridge HS Girls Tennis; Rock Bridge HS Girls Swimming & Diving; MizzouVolleyball; Father Tolton Catholic HS Girls Track & Field
2016 – Rock Bridge HS Swimming & Diving; Rock Bridge HS Tennis Team; Rock Bridge HS Basketball Team; Father Tolton Catholic HS Track & Field
2015 – Rock Bridge HS Basketball; Rock Bridge HS Tennis
2014 – Rock Bridge HS Basketball Team; Mizzou Women's Volleyball Team
2013 – Rock Bridge HS Swim Team
2012 – Mizzou Women's Club Soccer Team; Rock Bridge HS Golf Team
2011 – Rock Bridge HS Girls Athletics
2010 – Mandy Martin Stephens College Equestrian
2009 – Rock Bridge HS Basketball Team
2008 – Rock Bridge HS Dance Team
2007 – n/a
2006 – Mizzou Women's Volleyball Team
2005 – Hustlers AAU Basketball National Champions
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2026 - Becky Thompson, Ultramarathon
2025 - Janet Thompson, Equestrian & Weight Lifting
2024 Oksana Loginova, Ultramarathon
2023 - Mitzi Clayton, Track & Field
2022 - Kristin Walls, Ultra Marathon
2021 - n/a
2020 - Michelle Butler, Mizzou Golf
2019 - Diane Rubenstein, Pickleball
2018 – Kim Morgan Jones, Weight Lifter
2017 – Linda LaFontaine, Powerlifting, Kayaking and Running
2016 – Jackie Miller, Powerlifter
2015 – Laurie Digges, Ironman
2014 – Patricia Okker, Powerlifter
2013 – Shelly Frazier, Powerlifter
2012 – Beth Brokamp, Track & Field, Softball, Basketball, Bowling & Golf
2011 – Kate Walker, Powerlifter
2010 – Linda LaFontaine & Cami Ronchetto, Kayaking
2009 – Sarah Breier, Triathlete
2008 – Fiona Asigbee, Track & Field
2007 – Erin Daugherty, Skier
2006 – Amahia Mallea, Cycling
2005 – Ashley Rubenstein, Diver
2004 – Gladys Stankowski, Golf & Tennis
2003 – Amy Livesay, Ironman Cancer Survivor
2002 – Dorothy Holsinger, Marilee Howell, Marge Meredith, Marvelee Michaels Ridgeway & Jean Smith, Mizzou Women’s Physical Ed Staff
2001 – Cami Ronchetto, Adventure Racer
2000 – Andrea Fischer, Cycling/Triathlon
1999 – Dr. Jill Murphy, Triathlon/Swimmer
1998 – Helen Crawford, Golfer
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2026 - Nancy Yaeger, Fleet Feet
2025 - Dr. Jennifer Rukstad, MSHSAA
2024 - Tami Chievous, Mizzou
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2026 - Ben Arnet
2025 - Debbie Jameson
2024 - Greg Logsdon
2023 – Dr. Mark Adams
2022 - Taylor Bartlett
2021 - Jerrell Jackson, API Fitness Project
2020 - Pam Walker, WIN Past President
2019 - Stacy Schroeder
2018 – Sarah Reesman, WIN Board Member, Mizzou
2017 – Joe Walljasper
2016 – Mike Griggs, Columbia Parks and Recreation
2015 – Dr. Terry Smith, Columbia College
2014 – Tom LaFontaine, Ph.D
2013 – Dr. Gerald Brouder, Columbia College President
2012 – Diane Dahlmann, Mizzou Rec Center
2011 – Naomi Cupp
2010 – Darwin Hindman, City of Columbia Mayor
2009 – David Lile, WIN Board Member, KFRU
2008 – Susan Stalcup-Gray, WIN Co-Founding Member
2007 – John Strodtman, Hickman High School Soccer
2006 – Terry Cavin, Carrera Soccer Club
2005 – Rick McGuire, Mizzou Track & Field
2004 – Bob Burchard, Columbia College Athletic Director
2003 – Ben Loeb, Rock Bridge HS Tennis
2002 – Presented to Kent's Family