Award Nominations

WIN for Columbia celebrates local female athletes

 

nominations for 2026 awards open in november 2025.

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 due Saturday, December 27, 2025.

Nominations Opening soon!

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.  

 
 

Past award Winners

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 2024 - Janet Thompson, Equestrian & Weight Lifting

    2024 Oksana Loginova, Ultra Marathon

    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

  • 2025 - Dr. Jennifer Rukstad, MSHSAA

    2024 - Tami Chievous, Mizzou

  • 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