2nd annual Rise Up Sports Media Awards highlight female-led community involvement

What better way to celebrate International Women’s Day than by recognizing the next generation of impactful female athletes?

On Wednesday, March 8, in between sessions of the 2023 Mingua Beef Jerky Girls’ Sweet 16 Tournament at Rupp Arena, the second annual Rise Up Sports Media Awards ceremony was held at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Lexington, KY. After a successful first run this time last year, founder Tonia Witt brought back the event to make it even better.

The intention of Rise Up Sports Media is to shine as much light as possible on high school female athletes. It’s not just about what these girls have done on the court or field, though. Rise Up Sports Media makes sure to recognize the impact they’ve all made away from athletics in their communities.

Honoring female athletes on Women in History Day seems fitting. #knowhername #femaleathletes pic.twitter.com/uWxq6KHQI4

— Rise Up Sports Media (@riseupsports1) March 8, 2023

Witt, who is from central Kentucky and played high school sports, sometimes as the only girl on the boys’ team, began this project in 2021 to help female athletes empower each other. The first awards ceremony was a hit, and year two brought in a bigger crowd with even more award finalists.

A total of eight honors were handed out with a combined 26 different high school female athletes, along with a handful of coaches and the entire Buckhorn High School volleyball program, nominated and recognized for these awards.

Among those in attendance for the ceremony were Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton and Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman, who handed out awards and spoke encouraging words to the crowd. University of Kentucky women’s basketball players Cassidy Rowe and Jada Walker were also there to help distribute awards named in their honor.

Just like the players I met at the annual Rise Up Sports Awards, I have a passion for sports. I was so happy to present the Valerie Still STILL I RISE Award. Thank you @riseupsports1 for helping give Kentucky girls the platform and spotlight they deserve. pic.twitter.com/T22bzqvKhg

— Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman (@LtGovColeman) March 8, 2023

Mayor Gorton was able to recognize four individuals/groups with proclamations — all of them coming from Buckhorn volleyball — gifting them their own days. Wednesday, March 8, 2023, will forever be known in Kentucky as Buckhorn Volleyball Team Day, Jayla Sky Miller Day, Cassidy Adams Day, and Kylie Napier Day.

Following the devastating floods that struck eastern Kentucky in the summer of 2022, Buckhorn volleyball was forced to play in an entirely different gym located 45 minutes away from the one they previously used, which was destroyed in the aftermath of the floods. The team organized an equipment drive, worked hard in practice, and was able to continue its season in spite of the devastation that impacted their home area.

Below are all of the individuals/groups nominated for each award with the winner(s) listed in bold.

The Rise Up Title IX Award
Honors 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.

Jenni Morgan & Amy Barmore – Lexington United Volleyball Club
Craig Campos & Vez Smith – East Tennessee Thunder
Kristy Orem – Pikeville High School

The Cassidy Rowe Courage Award
Given to a female athlete who has overcome adversity and hardship and was able to return to play at a high level.

Audrey Biggs – Boyd County
Destiny Jones – Louisville Central
Shae Harris – Montgomery County
Jerrika Norris – Bath County
Grace Bruner – Somerset

The Lea Wise Prewitt Humanitarian Award
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.

Diamond Gray – Paducah Tilghman
Conlee Spann – Graves County
Mackenzie Neace – Buckhorn

The Rise Up Player of the Year Award
This is someone who has excelled in the female game and exemplifies the spirit of the sport.

Kensley Feltner – Lawrence County
Haven Ford – Rowan County
Dea Bradley – Hart County
Ciara O’Shea – Madison Central

The 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.

Teigh Yeast – Mercer County
Camryn Reece – Metcalfe County
Mastasia Riley – Washington County
Kennedy Carter – Elizabethtown
Kenleigh Wodds – Ashland Blazer

The Rise Up 6th Player Award
This is a female athlete who is the key contributor, spark plug off the bench.

Kenzie Grubb – Owsley County
Kandace Chandler – Rowan County
Kylie Ritter – Whitefield Academy
Ma’Kiyia Wheeler – Franklin County

The Valerie Still STILL I RISE Awards
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.

Jayla Sky Miller – Buckhorn
Cassidy Adams – Buckhorn
Kylie Napier – Buckhorn
Buckhorn Volleyball Program – Buckhorn

The Rise Up 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.

Lauren Cummings – Billings, Montana
Heaven Bailey – Montgomery, Alabama