THE EVELYN GATES AWARD
PRESENTED BY CHILDREN’S MERCY
2025 AWARD WINNER
Grace martin
Saint Thomas Aquinas High School
Grace Martin is the epitome of spirit, sportsmanship, and skill, making her a standout selection for the 2025 Evelyn Gates Award. A four-year varsity athlete at St. Thomas Aquinas, Grace has been the heartbeat of her team since her freshman year — bringing joy, energy, and leadership to every practice and match. Her enthusiasm is contagious, whether she’s lightening the mood or demanding the ball in big moments. A favorite among younger athletes and a trusted captain, Grace’s presence elevates everyone around her.
Grace is known throughout the Kansas City volleyball community for her genuine connections with athletes from every program. She’s quick to recognize others’ strengths, humble when praised for her own, and always the first to congratulate opponents after a battle. Her respect for coaches, referees, teammates, and fans reflects the true spirit of the sport.
On the court, Grace’s performance speaks loudly. She leads her team in aces, kills, kill efficiency, pass efficiency, and digs, and has earned First Team All-EKL, All-State Tournament Team, and First Team All-State honors. As a six-rotation outside hitter, she can score from anywhere on the court, serve aggressively, and anchor the defense. Her elite play was on full display as St. Thomas Aquinas captured the Class 5A state title, defeating Blue Valley Southwest.
Grace’s combination of passion, competitiveness, and character makes her a player you simply cannot take off the court. She will continue her volleyball career at Arizona State University.
"Grace has a contagious love for the game that elevates everyone around her. I have loved watching her grow and reach all her goals and look forward to continuing to see the impact she makes in the college world next year. She has left her mark on Aquinas volleyball."
— Sarah Ikenberry, St. Thomas Aquinas Head Volleyball Coach
Congratulations to our 2025 finalists:
Taylor Stanley, Blue Valley Southwest
Peyton Kubik, Blue Valley West
Ella Florez, Mill Valley
Grace Martin, St. Thomas Aquinas
About the Award
The Evelyn Gates Award was established to honor a female high school varsity volleyball student-athlete who exhibits top tier spirit, sportsmanship, and skill in the Kansas City metro area. The winner of the award is chosen by area high school coaches.
The annual traveling trophy is presented to the student-athlete to display at her school along with a $500 stipend for its athletic department.
the legacy of evelyn gates
Evelyn Gates (1932-2003), a retired histology technician from KU Medical Center, officiated high school and college volleyball, softball and basketball for over 45 years in the Kansas City area and was a staunch advocate for girls’ high school sports. During her career, she touched the lives of tens of thousands of high school athletes, parents and officials.
Evelyn played third base and pitched for the Kansas City Dons, a softball touring team in the 1960’s. While officiating high school sports, she was admired by coaches, officials, student-athletes and parents. She was first and foremost a “people person.” She loved talking and conversing with everyone she met. She was the first woman in the state of Missouri to officiate a boys’ high school varsity basketball game and she officiated the first women’s NAIA tournament game held in the Kansas City area.
She was a softball umpire and was elected to the Softball Hall of Fame in Missouri. She officiated in all phases of athletic competition from the state to the national level. She also mentored many women officials in the sports of softball, basketball and volleyball during the infant stages of the Title IX movement.
Evelyn died of cancer on May 5, 2003. A memorial fund has been established to support the Evelyn Gates Award. To sustain the award in her honor, contributions can be made to WIN for KC and listing Evelyn Gates in the “Dedicate this Gift” field.
VIEW THE 2025 AWARD CEREMONY here
Thank you to our presenting Sponsor
