Additional $22,000 Awarded to High School Seniors
IHSAA Foundation and Forté Sports Medicine celebrate 7 different scholarships
The IHSAA, the IHSAA Foundation and Forté Sports Medicine are proud to announce the selection of 17 senior student-athletes for six scholarships to be presented this Spring.
Alongside the C. Eugene Cato Memorial Scholarships announced previously, the IHSAA and IHSAA Foundation are proud to recognize and honor the legacies of legends and leaders of Indiana with recipients from six scholarships: the Bobby & Kathy Cox Post-Secondary Scholarship, the David Cranfill Truehearted Teammate Award, Amy Hasbrook Family Leadership Award, the Lee Lonzo Champions Together Post-Secondary Scholarship, the Parker Amet Post-Secondary Scholarship, and the Sparks Foundation Post-Secondary Scholarship.
Forté Orthopedic Research Institute (FORI) will proudly nhonor two Indiana high school student-athletes with the 2024
Thomas A. Brady, MD Comeback Scholarship Award on Tuesday, May 7 at the IHSAA Impact Awards.
To be awarded, applicants must be nominated by an administrator from their school who believes they excel in
each scholarship’s unique criteria and requirements.
Applications for all seven scholarships were opened this past Spring with over 100 completed applications received from across the state.
The IHSAA Foundation’s Scholarship Committee, alongside representatives from the family and friends of each
scholarship’s name, determined the final recipients based on the cumulative work and experiences in competition, within the classroom, and impact on their community. Scholarships awarded range between $1,000 and $2,000, and are to be awarded at ceremonies
throughout this spring* – including the Inagural IHSAA Foundation Impact Awards on Tuesday, May 7th at Gridiron Hall, within the Indianapolis Colts Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
Bobby & Kathy Cox Post-Secondary Scholarship
The Bobby and Kathy Cox Scholarship Endowment Fund was created in 2020 after Bobby Cox’s retirement as commissioner of the IHSAA. He and his wife Kathy were long time administrators in the state of Indiana, with 74 combined years as educators and supporters of education-based athletics. The scholarship was created to shine a light on senior student-athletes in the state of Indiana who will be the first in their families to attend a post-secondary education institution, while also showing outstanding teamwork, leadership, and good character throughout high school.
Two recipients from each of the three IHSAA districts were selected to receive a one-time $1,500 scholarship for post-secondary educational expenses.
*Recipients of the Bobby & Kathy Cox Post-Secondary Scholarship will be honored and recognized by Bobby and Kathy Cox for their achievement at a mutually agreed upon celebration with the IHSAA member school. This year’s recipients include:
Sydney Hardy (Mooresville)
Sydney Hardy of Mooresville High School is a three-sport athlete, participating in basketball, cross country, and track and field during her time as a Pioneer. She served as team captain of her cross country team during her senior season and was awarded Defensive Player of the Year for basketball during her junior and senior seasons. She currently serves on the Leadership Council of Mooresville’s Champions of Character, while also participating in Best Buddies, National Honor Society, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Sydney is undecided on her college choice at this time but will begin her pursuit of a bachelor’s degree this fall.
Courtney Higgins (Switzerland County)
Courtney Higgins of Switzerland County High School is a two-sport athlete participating in basketball and soccer in each of her years as a Pacer. She has earned academic all-state honors for soccer and all-conference honors for basketball. In addition, she’s served as team captain for both sports. She is a member of Future Farmers of America, Switzerland County 4-H, National Honor Society, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Courtney will be attending Northern Kentucky University in the fall.
Ian Potts (Peru)
Ian Potts of Peru High School is a three-sport athlete, participating in baseball, basketball, and tennis in each of his years as a Tiger. He has served as team captain and has received academic all-conference honors for each sport. He’s a member of Peru’s Student Council, National Honor Society, and Cheer Block. This fall, Ian will be attending Anderson University to double major in business administration and sports marketing.
Kylee Owens (Greencastle)
Kylee Owens of Greencastle High School is a two-sport athlete, participating in track and field and volleyball during her time as a Tiger Cub. She won the regional championship in high jump during her junior season of track and field with plans to defend that title and place at state this spring. She has also received the “Most Valuable Player” award for Greencastle’s volleyball team.
She’s a member of Greencastle’s DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), Environmental Club, and Key Club. In the fall, Kylee will be attending Ball State University and majoring in English.
Cooper Vincent (Parke Heritage)
Cooper Vincent of Parke Heritage High School is a two-sport athlete, participating in golf and tennis for the Wolves. He has received academic all-state honors for tennis and currently ranks as salutatorian of his senior class. He currently serves as vice president of his senior class and vice president of Interact Club. He’s also a member of Parke Heritage’s National Honor Society, Student
Council, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. This fall, Cooper will be attending Indiana University.
Mackenzee Wombacher (Angola)
Mackenzee Wombacher of Angola High School is a two-sport athlete, participating in track and
field and volleyball in each of her years as a Hornet. She is president of Angola’s Art Club, captain
of the English Academic Team, and vice president of the Y-Club. She is also a member of the
Student Council, National Honor Society and Girl Scouts of America. Mackenzee is undecided on
her college choice at this time but will begin her pursuit of a bachelor’s degree this fall.
David Cranfill Truehearted Teammate Award
David Cranfill was a friend to the IHSAA for over 40 years. He was an advertising agency owner, a
writer, a filmmaker, and a communicator. He worked tirelessly to promote the purity, passion, and
enthusiasm of high school sports until his passing in 2021. He dedicated much of his life and energy
to telling the story of all 160,000 Hoosier student-athletes and the life lessons they learned by
playing high school athletics. He always put his work, his family, and his teammates first. David
exemplified what it meant to be a truehearted teammate.
The David Cranfill Truehearted Teammate Award is a $1,000 scholarship that will be awarded to
one deserving male and one deserving female student-athlete who demonstrate selfless dedication
to their team without expectation of reward or recognition. The winners of these scholarships will
be selected for having exhibited loyalty and faithfulness by putting their teammates, coaches,
school, and community above themselves. This year’s recipients include:
Zach Huckaby (Perry Meridian)
Zach Huckaby of Perry Meridian High School is a two-sport athlete, participating in football and
wrestling during his time as a Falcon. Additionally, he is a part of the Central Nine Career Center
Fire and EMT Program and volunteers as an elementary football coach for the Southport
Developmental Football Program. Zach is a selfless leader and passionate about those in his life.
This was evident during his senior year, when a former athlete that he coached was diagnosed with
leukemia. Zach immediately sprung to action and, with the help of his teammates, raised money for
the athlete’s treatment and wore bracelets to support him. Zach is one to consistently display
qualities that enhance team dynamics and foster a positive sporting environment. In both football
and wrestling, he’s cheering on teammates during games or matches and offering guidance during
practice sessions, fostering unity and camaraderie to contribute to the team’s success. When not at
practice, Zach organizes get-togethers for his teammates and makes sure everyone feels welcome
and a valuable part of the team.
Madeline Maier (Mt. Vernon-Posey)
Madeline Maier of Mt. Vernon High School is a three-sport athlete, participating in soccer,
swimming & diving, and track & field in each of her years as a Wildcat. Madeline got involved in the
Mt. Vernon Special Olympics Program at a young age. The daughter of a special education teacher
and Special Olympics coach, Madeline would often come along to practices and events. As she grew
older, she would never complain about being ‘dragged along’ but would seek out more opportunities
to serve special needs athletes. Over time, she learned the perfect balance of taking charge when
needed but also stepping back and letting the athletes learn and achieve their own success. What
Madeline has learned from those experiences growing up, she has taken into leadership roles in her
soccer, swimming, and track teams, as well as her extracurricular clubs. If her team needs a leader
to step up and take charge, Madeline does it. In times that a teammate needs a friend or some
support, Madeline doesn’t hesitate to fill that role either. She is a true role model to numerous Mt.
Vernon student-athletes because of who she is and how she carries herself. After graduation,
Madeline plans to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a special education teacher.
Amy Hasbrook Family Leadership Award
In honor of the 50th anniversary celebration of Title IX in 2022, the Indiana High School Athletic
Association, Inc. began awarding the Amy Hasbrook Leadership Award. Amy Hasbrook was a student-athlete at Cathedral High School in Indianapolis and later DePauw University who participated in girls’ basketball and was a product of the opportunities that Title IX created. Amy tragically perished in a house fire in 2002. Her legacy is the impression she left on those who knew her.
Thanks to a very generous donation to the IHSAA Foundation from the Hasbrook family of Indianapolis in the name of their late daughter, Amy, two post-secondary scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each are awarded each year. Two female, multi-sport student-athletes who best exemplify and embody sportsmanship, leadership, integrity, dedication to the team, and community service will be selected
from the IHSAA’s member schools.
This year’s recipients include:
Maliyah Dunn (Peru)
Maliyah Dunn of Peru High School participated in basketball in each of her four years as a Tiger,
earning a varsity letter her senior year. She’s a member of Peru’s Student Council, Tiger Leadership,
and National Honor Society. Maliyah is also a Student Section Leader, organizing the student section
for Peru’s athletic contests and creating themes and t-shirts for students to wear. Growing up in a tough
situation, the hardwood became an escape. It wasn’t just about shooting hoops but finding peace and
purpose in the midst of difficulty. Stepping onto the basketball court became a refuge for Maliyah,
offering her solace and a sense of purpose. Even when things didn’t go well on the court, Maliyah
learned to keep going and never give in. Being part of a team gave her a sense of belonging, like having a
second family. As Maliyah reflects on her journey, she is reminded of the transformative power of
athletics. What began as a means of escape evolved into a catalyst for personal growth and
empowerment. Through the highs and lows of her athletic endeavors, Maliyah discovered the strength
within to overcome adversity, navigate challenges, and emerge stronger, both on and off the court.
Indeed, basketball was not merely a game–it was her salvation, her sanctuary, and her steadfast
companion on the path to resilience and redemption. Maliyah will be continuing her academic journey
at Purdue University in the fall.
Gabrielle Warren (Crawfordsville)
Gabrielle Warren of Crawfordsville High School is a three-sport athlete, participating in cross
country, golf, and track & field during her time as an Athenian. She earned a varsity letter in each of her
four years in cross country and track & field, while earning a varsity letter during her junior and senior
year in golf. Gabrielle is also a member of Crawfordsville’s National Honor Society, Fellowship of
Christian Athletes, Champions Together Club, and the Student Athletic Leadership Team. Participating
in high school athletics has had a profound impact on Gabrielle’s life. While she didn’t always finish
with the fastest time or the best score, it was the leadership and time management skills that Gabrielle
developed over time that has now set her up for success in the future. She went from someone who was
hesitant to try something new to one who was the team captain in each of her high school sports and a
winner of numerous mental attitude awards. Participating in middle school and high school athletics
introduced her to new friends and gave her the opportunity to be a leader and role model for younger
girls. Gabrielle stated, “I am grateful my lasting impact on my high school teams was not because of
scores or times, but my attitude and how I carry myself.” Gabrielle will begin her pursuit of a nursing
degree in the fall. She has a special connection to this career path due to her family’s experience during
her birth. Gabrielle was born via an emergency c-section 10 weeks prematurely. Because of this, she
was under constant care at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for several weeks as her body grew
stronger. Her family was unable to do anything but watch, wait, and hope for the best. The staff at the
NICU worked tirelessly to provide Gabrielle with the best care possible, while also offering their
support and care to her family. Gabrielle hopes to provide the same care and support to her patients and
their families in the near future.
Lee Lonzo Champions Together Post-Secondary Scholarship
In partnership with the Lonzo Family and Friends, the IHSAA and IHSAA Foundation are proud to present the Lee Lonzo Champions Together Post-Secondary Scholarship. Each year, a pair of Unified Sport student-athletes from an IHSAA member school will be awarded $1,000 scholarships based on their dedication and exemplary support of the Champions Together program in their
school and community.
The recipients of this scholarship represent the best that Champions Together has to offer studentathletes with and without intellectual disabilities as they participate side-by-side in spirited interscholastic competition. Applicants are judged by their commitment to comradery,
inclusiveness, team spirit, and character while participating in Champions Together related activities, a program that became a reality in Indiana in December of 2012.
This year’s recipients:
Keira Robinson and Brian Tran (Bloomington South)
Keira Robinson’s personal connection to a relative with a disability sparked her desire to become
more actively involved in the special needs community. This led her to eagerly join the Unified
Track & Field team during her freshman year at Bloomington South. Without hesitation, Keira
immersed herself in the team, offering unwavering support to her teammates and even
encouraging more peers to join the team. Despite her competitive nature, Keira recognizes that
Unified Track & Field offers more than just a chance to win; it provides an opportunity to
champion a larger cause— inclusion. Through Unified Track & Field, Keira finds a unique balance
between competitiveness and advocacy, using her passion for athletics to promote a more inclusive
and supportive community for all.
Brian Tran is a member of the Unified Track & Field team at Bloomington High School South.
Every time Brian proudly wears his letter jacket, he becomes a testament to the significance of
inclusion. Seeing him exchange high fives or fist bumps in the hallways serves as a powerful
reminder of the camaraderie and support shared among his teammates. During the season, Brian is
a consistent presence at every track practice and meet. He makes his presence known by offering
support to every teammate and vocally expressing his belief in the team’s potential for success. His
commitment to the team has earned him the ‘B-Man’ award during his sophomore and junior years.
This award, voted by his peers, recognizes individuals who embody loyalty, training, citizenship,
and skill.
Brian and Keira were classmates in many of their elementary school years, often engaging in small
talk and enjoying games of four-square during recess. However, as they progressed to middle and
high school, their paths diverged, and they saw less of each other. It wasn’t until Keira joined
Unified Track that she had the opportunity to reconnect with Brian and reignite their friendship.
Unified Track provided them with a platform to continue their fun games and conversations,
allowing them to pick up right where they left off and strengthen their bond once again. The
relationship between Brian and Keira serves as an example of the lasting connections formed
through shared experiences. Their friendship is built on a foundation of mutual trust and
understanding. Their bond transcends the realm of competition, evolving into a genuine and
enduring friendship.
Parker Amet Champions Together Post-Secondary Scholarship
As a symbol for inclusivity and kindness, the IHSAA and IHSAA Foundation are honored to partner with friends of the 2016 Carmel High School Prom King to award the Parker Amet Post-Secondary scholarship to one partner athlete who participated in their school’s Champions Together program. Announced in 2021, the Parker Amet scholarship annually awards $2,000 of financial
support to a partner athlete who continues the work of the scholarship’s name. These recipients are leaders within their schools and champions for a better community. These future and current leaders have demonstrated high character, ability to work alongside and support others and, above all else, high moral character.
This year’s recipient:
Ryleigh Gee (Fishers)
Ryleigh Gee of Fishers High School is not only a high achiever in academics but also a dedicated community servant. She has others through her involvement in Unified Flag Football, Unified Track & Field, and the demonstrated a genuine passion for making a difference in the lives of Champions Together Club at Fishers. Ryleigh serves as president of the Champions Together Club
and consistently goes above and beyond to serve the community, school, and her fellow student-athletes with compassion and integrity. Participating in Unified Sports has had a profound and lasting impact on Ryleigh’s life and has opened her eyes to the beauty of diversity and the importance of inclusivity. In her words, “Unified Sports is a community where differences are celebrated, not hidden. It provides a safe and inclusive space for everyone to come together, regardless of their abilities. This program has taught me that everyone has something valuable to contribute to and that our differences are what make us truly unique and special. The friendships that I have formed through Unified Sports are truly priceless and I am grateful for each and every one. I know they will last a lifetime.”
In addition to her efforts with Champions Together and Unified Sports, she is a member of the
National Honor Society, Best Buddies, and Future Farmers of America. Ryleigh is also active with
her church, where she has been able to make a difference worldwide through mission trips to
Mexico, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. Her service projects ranged from building houses and
schools to providing clean water, food, and medical care to people in need.
What truly sets Ryleigh apart are her exemplary leadership skills. She has a natural ability to
inspire and motivate others, leading by example and fostering a collaborative environment in all
her extracurricular activities. Whether it’s leading group projects in class or spearheading
initiatives in her club participation, Ryleigh’s leadership shines through in everything she does.
She’s committed to making a positive impact in all areas of her life and using her skills and abilities
to make the world a better place.
Sparks Foundation Post-Secondary Scholarship
In partnership with the Sparks Foundation, the IHSAA Foundation is proud to present the Sparks
Foundation Post-Secondary Scholarship to two Indiana high school student-athletes that show
teamwork, leadership, and good character. This annual scholarship starting in 2021 celebrates the
accomplishments on the field, in the classroom, and throughout the community by awarding
$1,000 to each recipient.
This year’s recipients include:
Ethan Ehrhardt (Kankakee Valley)
Ethan Ehrhardt of Kankakee Valley High School is a two-sport athlete, participating in cross
country and track & field in each of his years as a Kougar. He served as team captain in both sports,
while earning all-conference and academic all-state honors for cross country. Ethan is a member of
Kankakee Valley’s National Honor Society, Interact Club, American Sign Language Club, and
Freshman Mentors. He’s also on the production team at his church, helping with services each
Sunday. In the fall, Ethan will be attending Trine University.
Kailee Lock (Madison Consolidated)
Kailee Lock of Madison Consolidated High School is a two-sport athlete, participating soccer and
track & field during her time as a Cub. She served as team captain of her soccer team during her
senior year and received academic all-state honors the past three seasons. She’s a member of
Madison’s Student Council, National Honor Society, Thespian Society, Student Advisory Board,
and serves as president of the Student Athletic Council. Kailee will be attending Purdue University
this fall
Thomas A. Brady Comeback Award
The Brady Comeback Awards are named for Dr. Thomas A Brady, a founder of Forté Sports
Medicine and Orthopedics who is known as the father of sports medicine in Central Indiana. The
awards honor both male and female student athletes at the high school level from Indiana who have
distinguished themselves by overcoming adversity or injury and returned and excelled beyond
expectations in their respective sports.
This year’s honorees persevered as they recovered from injuries, surgeries and treatments to help
lead and inspire their respective teams on and off the court, field and sidelines. Recipients receive
a $1,500 scholarship, which was awarded at the IHSAA Impact Awards. To learn more about FORI,
visit forteinstitute.org.
This year’s recipients include:
Grace Bennett (Evansville Christian)
Grace Bennett of Evansville Christian High School never believed that she would be able to play
organized sports and feel the camaraderie of participating on an athletics team when she was
diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) – a connective tissue disorder
affecting the proteins in her body – at 14 years old. That was until two years ago when her school
offered a girls’ golf program for the first time. Although hesitant at first and facing a daunting
learning curve from never gripping a club previously, the thought of identifying as an “athlete”
overcame these.
Known to her team, school, and community as an example of good mental attitude and
sportsmanship, Grace overcame these challenges in her life and reached the golf sectionals her
senior year. Success was not linear, with some days proving her unable to participate in
competition and experiencing setbacks. Through this pain, she would continuously give her spot to
a teammate to ensure participation and inclusion of others. While not actively playing, Grace
would ride along with her teammates and opponents, learning from them, encouraging others, and
proving to be a selfless leader.
Grace was told she would be unable to participate in anything like this in her life. She came back
and “finished what she always wanted to do.”
William Jamison (Homestead)
William Jamison of Homestead High School welcomed his senior year of high school like many
other varsity athletes: looking forward to his last year with state title aspirations, and even
working towards life after graduation while meeting a life-long dream of playing basketball at the
Division 1 collegiate level. All that changed the night of Homestead’s preseason scrimmage, where
William and his younger sister were involved in an automobile accident, leaving William in the
Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and fighting for his life. With many of his organs displaced, few believed
William would be able to play his senior year.
After surgery and an unstoppable will to recover, William left the hospital and insisted on being
dropped off at basketball practice. At 17 days, William made his first shot after the accident.
Through continual work and an unwavering belief, William returned to the court to play in a
varsity competition his senior year, playing in eight games and weaving through traffic to score
over 20 points in five of those games.
While facing a potential life-ending injury, William never gave up on himself or his dreams. He
showed the courage and drive to come back and once again chase his dreams.
Since 2003-04, the IHSAA and IHSAA Foundation has recognized 281 outstanding student-athletes
with scholarships totaling $646,500.
Scholarship recipients will be recognized at this year’s inaugural IHSAA Foundation
Impact Awards at Gridiron Hall, within the Indianapolis Colts Indiana Farm Bureau Football
Center on Tuesday May 7, 2024, alongside the IHSAA Foundation’s C. Eugene Cato Memorial
Scholarship recipients and the graduating seniors of the IHSAA’s Student Advisory Committee.
Additionally, Forté Orthopedic Research Institute (FORI) will proudly honor two Indiana high
school student-athletes with the 2024 Thomas A. Brady, MD Comeback Scholarship Award on
Tuesday, May 7 at the IHSAA Impact Awards.
Additional information on each scholarship recipient and history of each award can be found on
the IHSAA Foundation website at ihsaa.org/foundation.