McCracken County's Claire Johnson is one of four finalists for the Valerie Still STILL I RISE Award. (Les Nicholson Photos)
Rise Up Sports was started by Tonia Witt to give female athletes a platform and spotlight and has been a huge promotor for Kentucky high school girls basketball.
The third annual Rise Up Sports Media Awards ceremony will be at Central Bank Center in downtown Lexington Wednesday from 4:-5:15 p.m. between games two and three of the state tournament in adjacent Rupp Arena.
The awards — sponsored by Bluegrass Real Producers, EJs Appliance Repair and HomeL and Real Estate — will honor accomplishments of young women in various categories.
This is a list of the awards and finalists for the awards:
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.
FINALISTS: Hayden Barrier, Montgomery County; Carlie Thurmond, Bethlehem; Ella Sellars, Ashland Blazer; and Claire Johnson, McCracken County.
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.
FINALISTS: Grace Bale, Taylor County; Ava Lannum, McLean County; Alana Smith, DuPont Manual; and Skylar Waller, Marshall County.
Lea Wise Prewitt Playmaker Award — The Lea Wise Prewitt Playmaker 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.
FINALISTS: Kaylie Bowersock, Valley Elementary School; Reaghan Oney, Montgomery County; and Chloe Hartlep, Frederick Douglass
Sixth Woman of the Year 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
FINALISTS: Kenzie Grubb, Owsley County; Sophie Pridemore, Lexington Christian Academy; Brooklyn Duckwyler, Ashland Blazer.
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.
FINALISTS: Bethlehem Athletics, Alyx White and Kristie Combs
Rise Up Player of the Year — This is someone who has excelled in the female game and exemplifies the spirit of the sport.
FINALISTS 606: Trinity Rowe, Pikeville; Kenleigh Woods, Ashland Blazer; and
Sydney Martin – Pulaski County.
FINALISTS 270/364: Kennedy Lane, Daviess County; Dea Bradley – Hart County; and LaReesha Cawthorne, Franklin-Simpson.
FINALISTS 859: Maggie Simons, Nicholas County; Anna Drakeford, Mercer County; and Quinn Eubank, Ryle.
FINALISTS 502: Abby Reitzel, Mercy; Ashlyn Miles, Bethlehem; and Juliana Frazee, Franklin County.
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.
FINALISTS: Jazzy Meade, Shelby Valley; Savannah Triplett, Meade County; Piper Scott, Portland Christian; and Jaidyn Gulley, Ashland Blazer.
Know Her Name Playmaker Award — The Know Her Name Playmaker Award embodies the full spectrum of the intention with Rise Up Sports Media. Young women representing and pushing the line forward in the classroom, on the court or field and in the community. Young women who are pushing the limits and creating new lanes for females in athletics, not accepting the permitors this world designed as the norm. Young women who have diversified their skills and are excelling at all levels, making everyone – KNOW HER NAME
FINALISTS: To Be Announced.
Impact Award — A coach or contributor who has gone above and beyond to make an impact on their team, school and community.
FINALIST: Misty McAlarnis, Perry County Central; Travis Smith, Owsley County; Brenden Stowers, Simon Kenton; Eric Pouney Jr., Scott High School; Caryn Schoff-Kovatch, Assumption; Joey Thacker, Franklin County; Donnie Meador, Allen County-Scottsville; and Natalie Pavne, Daviess County.
