KANSAS CITY, MO (February 6, 2026) – This week, WIN for KC celebrated National Girls and Women in Sport Day with the Women’s Sports Awards presented by Burns & McDonnell. The annual award ceremony recognizes and celebrates girls and women from the around the Kansas City making a difference in sport. WIN for KC welcomed over 2,000 guests at T-Mobile Center for the program.
“2025 was a defining year for WIN for KC, and this year’s Women’s Sports Awards was an inspiring way to reflect on everything that our organization and community has accomplished,” said Taylor Banks, Director of WIN for KC. “Not only is important to provide opportunities to participate and spectate women’s sports, it is just as important for us to celebrate them. We’re excited to continue providing these opportunities in 2026 and beyond.”
Kansas City hosted multiple world class events in 2025, including a record-breaking USA Women’s Rugby Match, NCAA Division 1 Volleyball Championship, and a sold-out USWNT match. "These events are imperative for driving economic growth in our community, as well as displaying incredible role models for the girls and women of Kansas City,” said Kathy Nelson, President and CEO of the KC Sports Commission, which includes WIN for KC.
This year’s Women’s Sports Awards featured the reigning Olympic Gold Medalist and World Champion long jumper, Tara Davis-Woodhall. Davis-Woodhall gave impactful insights to her athletic career and what it means to be a female athlete. The crowd listened to valuable lessons around the importance of mental health, the team and village that surrounds the athlete, and setting large goals.
Davis-Woodhall’s Q&A was especially moving for the 300+ high school athletes that were in attendance, all who are state champions in the last year. Those athletes kicked off the event with the annual March of Champions, showcasing the incredible accomplishments that high school girls from across the Kansas City made this year.
In addition to welcoming our featured guest and athletes, WIN for KC was honored to recognize six incredible women who have made a difference in their communities. From tenured coaches to athletes bettering those around them, it’s women like these who move our community forward through sport.
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
More information on our winners’ stories can be found on the WIN for KC YouTube page.
WIN for KC will continue to create a community where sport ignites the life of every woman and girl. Registrations for this year’s Camp WIN will open on February 10th at 10 a.m. Additionally, ticket for the 2026 Phillip 66 Big 12 Women’s Basketball Tournament are currently on sale. Tickets and more information can be found here.
The Women’s Sports Awards would not be possible without our outstanding guests, advisory members, and sponsors. Thank you to everyone who contributes to creating a better Kansas City through sport, and specifically a better Kansas City for women and girls. A final thank you to the WIN for KC and KC Sports Commission staff for the incredible event.
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.
About The Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation
The mission of the Kansas City Sports Commission & Foundation is to drive Kansas City’s overall sports strategy, to enrich the quality of life, create economic impact and raise visibility for our region. As a privately-funded nonprofit, we are entirely dependent on your support. For the latest on Kansas City Sports Commission news, follow on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.