Sports allowed me to see the world! I received a college education and numerous opportunities. Sports taught me self-discipline and determination. I learned the importance of goals, hard work, dreams, belief, the necessity of teamwork and leadership.

Being named a Sportswoman of Colorado Award winner is a truly humbling honor. This recognition not only celebrates my dedication and hard work in my sport but also acknowledges the perseverance and resilience that female athletes display every day. It’s about inspiring other women and young girls to believe in themselves, break barriers, and pursue their dreams, no matter the challenges. It highlights the importance of female athletes in the community, and the visibility it brings is key in paving the way for more opportunities and support for women in sports. It reminds me that all the sacrifices, early mornings, late nights, training, and setbacks are part of the bigger picture. This award isn’t just mine; it’s a shared accomplishment with my team, coaches, family, and everyone who has supported me along the way.

Being a Sportswoman of Colorado Award Winner is such an honor. To have received this top recognition from the state of Colorado, a place I’ve called home for 35+ years, will always be a highlight of my career. When my sister was first invited to the Sportswomen of Colorado event, I remember seeing the list of past winners, and many of them were athletes I looked up to April Heinrichs, Kara Grgas-Wheeler, Amy Van Dyken, and many more. Then, just a few years later, getting called up to the stage as the 2003 Sportswoman of Colorado Award winner was surreal. Having my name in a small part of Colorado’s history for the next generation (my boys and nieces) is an incredible feeling. I am very thankful to Sportswomen of Colorado for recognizing me and many other female athletes. It is truly humbling to be included on this list alongside so many incredible women.

Being honored by Sportswomen of Colorado was such a massive honor. Even at that young age, I had an understanding of the importance of the women who had come before me; who had given me these opportunities and this platform that I may not have had otherwise. And now it’s my duty to carry it on.

What Sportswomen of Colorado does is it brings us all together and you realize that there are women that are accomplishing things that I didn’t even know were possible.