KANSAS CITY, MO (November 11, 2026) – Peyton Kubik of Blue Valley West High School has been named the recipient of the Evelyn Gates Award presented by Children’s Mercy, recognizing her as one of the Kansas City area's premier high school volleyball student-athletes. The award celebrates excellence both on and off the court, recognizing athletes who demonstrate exceptional skill, sportsmanship, and spirit. Kubik's dedication to the game, leadership, and commitment to her team make her a deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.
Kubik has established herself as an outstanding volleyball talent, combining impressive athletic ability with a team-first mindset and a commitment to continual improvement. Her accomplishments reflect not only her talent but also the hard work and dedication that have helped her become one of the standout players in the region. Next fall, Kubik will take her talents to Pittsburgh, PA as she continues her academic and athletic career for the Pitt Panthers. Throughout her high school career, her accomplishments include:
Won the 2026 Kansas Class 6A State Championship with Blue Valley West
Named 2024 MaxPreps Sophomore All-American Team
Ranked #8 Nationally in the class of 2027 by Prep Volleyball
Ranked #24 nationally in the class of 2027 by Prep Dig
2026 Women's U21 National Team
2025-2026 Gatorade Player of the Year
"Peyton is the total package as a volleyball player,” said Jessica Horstick, Head Coach of Blue Valley West Volleyball. ”She is an elite athlete that is skilled in all facets of her game and she is a humble and kind human being on top of all that. She is the type of kid you want representing your program and we are so lucky she is a Jaguar!"
The Evelyn Gates Award honors the legacy of Evelyn Gates, a longtime Kansas City sports official and passionate advocate for girls' athletics. Gates officiated high school and college volleyball, softball, and basketball for more than 45 years, positively impacting thousands of athletes, coaches, and officials throughout the region. Established in her honor, the award recognizes the top female high school varsity volleyball player in the Kansas City area, as selected by area high school coaches. The recipient receives a traveling trophy to display at her school, along with a $500 stipend for the school's athletic department.
Congratulations to Peyton Kubik on this outstanding achievement! We also extend our congratulations to all of this year's finalists and honorees. Each represents the talent, character, sportsmanship, and dedication that make the Kansas City volleyball community so special.
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 Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
