As we have started accepting nominations for the Rise Up Sports Media Awards, let’s take a look back at the 2022 winners and finalists. The descriptions for each award are also included below and on the nomination link. Please be sure to get your nominations in on the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf102282tP2rNJpOHQCmZF9MKWTs3TjdAVEc-DitH27v7JvuQ/viewform
Valerie Still STILL I RISE Award
Acknowledges athletic achievement, scholastic excellence and community involvement. The award winner is recognized as the top female athlete and considered the highest award honored by Rise Up Sports Media. The award winner is to reflect not just athletic achievement but team contribution, scholastic achievement, school and community involvement.
*This year’s award will be presented to a female athlete at a High School in Eastern Kentucky in a way to honor the resiliency of a female athlete directly impacted by the Kentucky Flooding of July 2022
Anna Whitaker, Khloe Lamb, and Abby Garrett (not pictured), 2022 Winners
Anna Whitaker (Class of 2022 | Graves County | Soccer and Basketball)
Khloe Lamb (Class of 2024 | Hopkins County Central | Dance)
Abby Garrett (Class of 2022 | Dawson Springs | Basketball and Softball)
Lea Wise Prewitt Humanitarian Award
The Lea Prewitt Humanitarian Award is intended to recognize a female athlete that has contributed and played a significant role of dedication and giving of their time to their local communities.
Kylie Koeninger, 2022 Winner (Class of 2022 | Campbell County | Basketball)
Abbey Howard, 2022 Finalist (Class of 2022 | Leslie County | Volleyball)
Cassidy Rowe Courage Award
The Cassidy Rowe Courage Award is given to a female athlete who has overcome adversity and hardship and was able to return to play at a high level. Nomination can be submitted by school administration, athletic directors and coaches for this award. A committee of Rise Up Sports Media will read all the submitted materials for these candidates and narrow down the field, the public by vote will then choose the Cassidy Rowe Courage Award winner.
Kiera Couch, 2022 Winner (Class of 2024 | Letcher County Central | Basketball)
Anna Drakeford, 2022 Finalist (Class of 2024 | Mercer County | Basketball)
Mallory Campbell, 2022 Finalist (Class of 2022 | Wayne County | Basketball)
Rise Up Sports Title IX Award
The Rise Up Sports Title IX Award will honor individuals or groups with unique achievements which contribute to public awareness and appreciation of female athletics and elevates the status of the women’s game. The recipients have inspired women and girls and demonstrated a lasting commitment to the growth of sports for all women and girls. This is not a student-athlete award but a recognition for those giving back to help improve the status quo of our current female athletes. Formerly known as the Merit Award.
Ivan Rice, 2022 Winner (Journalist)
Bluegrass Volleyball Academy – Kayla and Taylor VanHoose, 2022 Finalists
Rise Up Sports POY
This is someone who has excelled in the female game and exemplifies the spirit of the sport. Only juniors and seniors qualify for this award. Nomination will only be accepted from school administration, athletic directors and coaches for this award.
Timberlynn Yeast, 2022 Winner (Class of 2023 | Mercer County | Basketball and Track)
Allie Stone, 2022 Finalist (Class of 2022 | West Carter | Basketball)
Know someone that fits the descriptions below? Nominate them for a chance to be the 1st ever recipients of the following awards that are new to the ballot this year:
Jada Walker Heart & Hustle Award
This is someone who leaves a mark on the game that may not be reflected on the stat sheet, but her tenacity is always evident and changes the game. Energy on defense, heart to get the loose ball, determination to help the team in the little details. Nominations will only be accepted from coaches for this award.
Rise Up Sports 6th Woman Award
This is a female athlete who is the key contributor, spark plug off the bench. She is always into the game even if not starting or on the floor and as soon as she is called upon lifts the team. Nominations will only be accepted from coaches for this award.