2012 E. Wayne Cooley “YOU CAN” Award Winners

Basketball

Addison Miller, Bishop Garrigan High School

Addison is a senior this season. Addison is one of the hardest working players in our program. She never missed an off season workout or off season game. She always brings great leadership and a positive attitude to the court. Addison is not a starter for us, but she does a great job coming off the bench as our defensive stopper. Addison is very deserving of this award for her acceptance of her role and being a four-year player in the Garrigan program.

Nominated by Brandon Schwab, Head Girls Basketball Coach, Bishop Garrigan High School

 

Mackenzie Bigbee, Williamsburg

Mackenzie is deserving of this award due to her service to her school for four years. Mackenzie is an elite volleyball player and will continue her career at Iowa State in the fall. She could have easily taken the path that many kids seem to take these days and quit everything else to focus on herself and her future. Instead, she participated and excelled in four sports throughout high school, was active in her school and community, and was an exceptional student in the classroom. She is the example our school uses anytime a student says they can't do this or don't have time for that. In spite of her busy schedule Mackenzie has given as much to her school and community as anyone I have ever coached.

Nominated by Aaron Fedderson, Head Girls Basketball Coach, Williamsburg High School

 

Maya Marshall, Sumner-Fredericksburg High School

Maya is not a starter but has been invaluable as a defensive player and rebounder in games and practice. Maya has worked year round at basketball to improve herself. She finds ways to get in the gym and work to improve her skills. She never complains about playing time and always gives her very best.

Nominated by Dean Mohling, Head Girls Basketball Coach, Sumner-Fredericksburg High School

 

Alex Willman, Spaulding Catholic

Alex has exemplified a winning attitude and a spirit that saw her overcome many obstacles. She had a serious head injury in softball her freshman season and also developed chronic leg pain that would limit her action in the seasons that followed until finding the right specialists last summer. This season she, with her fellow classmate, Paris Schnepf, organized a pink-out night and Coaches vs Cancer event in a game with Gehlen Catholic on behalf of her mother who has been diagnosed with breast cancer in December. Alex has been a four year letter winner and a quiet leader who finished her career with 82 three point goals.

Nominated by Scott Willman, Head Girls Basketball Coach, Spaulding Catholic

 

Sara Konz, Harlan

Sara has recently had surgery on her very painful feet. She could have chosen to have this surgery anytime during the season but put her team first and led by great example. She overcame this obstacle and finished the season strong. Sara is very deserving of this award.

Nominated by Tony Vis, Head Girls Basketball Coach, Harlan High School

 

Kelli Zuck, Dunkerton

Kelli battled all season with ankle and knee injuries as she completed her career at Dunkerton. She did a good job of being a team leader on and off the court this year. She certainly worked hard her entire career by putting in the extra time in the gym. Kelli also helped lead the basketball program in planning for our Coaches vs Cancer game. She did a tremendous job of including the younger players in all team activities.

Nominated by Jason Yessak, Head Girls Coach, Dunkerton High School

 

Natalie Engle, Sioux City West

I nominated Natalie because she is very involved, motivated and intelligent student-athlete. She carries herself with much pride and grace on and off the court. She was voted by her teammates as captain for this year's team. This leader is always encouraging and inspiring others around her to do their best and not settle for anything less than that. She leads by example and works hard every second she is on the floor. She is an "all over the floor" kind of player that physically and vocally encourages all whom she plays with. she might not be the leading scorer on the team, but she does all the things that go unnoticed. I believe Natalie is a great candidate for the "You Can" award.

Nominated by Betsy Reynolds, Head Girls Basketball Coach, Sioux City West

 

Erica Sutton, Maquoketa

I have never been inspired by a student-athlete like I am with Erica. Most people complain about the little things, but not Erica. She actually has reasons to complain, plenty of them, but she CHOOSES to stay strong and determined. She has overcome many injuries that would have sidelined most people for good. A cracked sternum in soccer, and a torn ACL as a sophomore in basketball. Erica also injured the collateral ligament in her elbow as a senior yet she battled back. However, in the fall of her junior year, her father was killed tragically in a boating accident. That incident alone would be enough to sidetrack some people but Erica continued to be an instrumental team member when she very easily could have given up hope. Erica faces adversity with a badge of courage I have never seen in somebody so young. She truly is a role model of the "You Can" award.

Nominated by Melinda Orris, Maquoketa High School