RISING STAR AWARD HONOREES

The Rising Star Award recognizes an entry-level member who is 0-3 years in their career and demonstrates potential to make a significant leadership impact in the future. This award highlights members who have an interest in pursuing a career in sport.  

2023
Christine "C.C." Colwell, Assistant Director of Enforcement, NCAA

2022
Jenna McKinley, Assistant Athletic Director, Facilities and Events, Colorado State University, Pueblo

2021
Kelsey L. Parks Smith, Project Coach Coordinator & Student-Athlete Wellness Coordinator, Smith College 

2020
Katy Keenan, Graduate Assistant, Texas Tech University

2019
Ashley Beaton, Athletic Administration Graduate Assistant, University of North Georgia
Christal Peterson, Coordinator for Student-Athlete Success, Inclusion, and Leadership, Wheaton College

2018
Sheridan Blanford, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Sydney Moman, University of Cincinnati
Emma Munguia, Brigham Young University

2017
Glenna Andrews, University of Portland 
Gabriella Dominguez, John Jay College of Criminal Justice 
Ayanna Tweedy, Pomona-Pitzer College 

2016
Julia Bell, Mount Holyoke College
TaRonda Randall, NCAA
Tayla Woods, Oregon State University

2015
Chelcie Abajian, Learfield Licensing Partners
Grace Bonoma, University of Louisville
Kelly Kime, Humboldt State University

2014
Julia Martin, University of Pennsylvania
Kaylyn Smith, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Sara Steinman, Moravian College

2013
Lindsey Abercrombie, University of Denver
Hillary Bach, Arizona State University
Erin Varley, Shippensburg University

2012
Sara Eisenhauer, Macalester College
Erika Loomer, Adelphi University
Melissa Matzen, California State University, Sacramento

2011
Kathryn Ryan, Athletics Administrative Intern, University at Buffalo
Ona Peck, Game Operations Crew Leader, Niagara University
Kenya Broadnax, Athletics Marketing Assistant, California State University at East Bay

2010
NCAA Division I-FBS: Anna Chappell, Compliance Graduate Assistant, University of Oklahoma
NCAA DII: Shelby Stueve, Administrative Intern, California State University at East Bay
NCAA DIII: Jen Fried, Sports Information Director, Husson University
Conference/Organization: Eileen Patton, Educational Affairs Intern, NCAA

2009
NCAA Division I FBS: Amy Wilson, University of Iowa
NCAA Division I FCS: Christina Wright, Ohio University
NCAA Division I: Carly Chudej, University of Texas at San Antonio
NCAA Division II: Alicia Larence, Northern Kentucky University
NCAA Division III: Elizabeth “Lisa” Nash, Mount Holyoke College

 2008
NCAA Division I FBS: Georgia Davis, North Carolina State University
NCAA Division I FCS: Kristin Wood, Brown University
NCAA Division I: Brooke Meyer, University of Denver
NCAA Division III: Amy Pare, Springfield College
Conference/Organization: Kelly Diercks, Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference