FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Griffin Schaezle
WIN for KC Announces Featured Guest and Award Winners for 2026 Women’s Sports Awards presented by Burns and McDonnell
KANSAS CITY, MO (December 17, 2025) – WIN for KC, the Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation’s program working to empower women and girls through sports, announced Tara Davis-Woodhall as the featured guest of the 2026Women’s Sports Awards presented by Burns & McDonnell. The annual awards program is WIN for KC’s biggest fundraiser and largest luncheon in the country celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day, and the 2026 event will once again be held at T-Mobile Center on Wednesday, February 4th at 11:30 am.
Tara Davis-Woodhall is the reigning Olympic Gold Medalist and World Champion in the long jump. A two-time Olympian ranked #1 globally, she has been undefeated in the long jump over the last two years and has won three consecutive U.S. Outdoor National Championships between 2022-2025. Known as “America’s Cowgirl,” her signature style and electric personality have made her a fan favorite on and off the field. She is a four-time NCAA All-American and former double-record breaker at the University of Texas. Now serving as the Assistant Track Coach at Kansas State, Tara mentors the next generation of athletes, sharing her expertise, work ethic, and love for the sport.
“As we celebrate the incredible women and girls who are making a difference through sports across the Kansas City area, it’s an honor to welcome one of the world’s most dynamic and inspiring athletes — Tara Davis-Woodhall — to the Women’s Sports Awards. Tara’s commitment to excellence, resilience, and using her platform to empower the next generation strongly aligns with WIN for KC’s mission to highlight the lifelong impact of sport, fitness, and confidence for women and girls,” said Taylor Banks, Director of WIN for KC.
Our 2026 featured guest’s appearance is made possible by the generous support of CommunityAmerica Credit Union, who is a longtime supporter of this event. A limited number of lower level, general admission tickets will be offered to the public and will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 17. Click here to purchase tickets.
WIN for KC is also very excited to announce the six award winners who will be recognized at the 2026 Women’s Sports Awards presented by Burns & McDonnell, which include:
Lockton Courage Award: Rhonda Jones – Adaptive Athlete
UMBFC Charitable Foundation Lifetime Sportswoman Award: Avery Hughes – Field Hockey Coach
Kissick Construction Game Changer Award: Lara Krug – Kansas City Chiefs
Children’s Mercy Kansas City Rising Star Award: Miranda Stallard - Special Olympics Athlete
Hallmark Cards Leadership Award: Nancy Dorsey – St. James Academy Volleyball Coach
Forvis Mazars BE BOLD Award: Raven Jemison – Kansas City Current
The 2026 Women’s Sports Awards presented by Burns and McDonnell will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Sponsorship inquires can be directed to Dave Borchardt. and additionalinformation about the Women’s Sports Awards and WIN for KC can be found here.
About WIN for KC
The Women’s Intersport Network for Kansas City (WIN for KC), was established in 1994 under the umbrella of the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission, with the mission to ignite girls and women through advocating and promoting the lifetime value of sports and fitness, while providing opportunities for participation and leadership development. WIN is a volunteer, membership-driven organization that operates as a program of the Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation. For more information, visit WINforKC.org. For the latest on WIN for KC news, follow on X, Facebook and Instagram.