Simpson Athletics hosts all-sports celebration to honor 2024-25 accomplishments
INDIANOLA, Iowa – The Simpson Athletics Department came together Wednesday afternoon to celebrate the athletic and academic accomplishments of the 2024-25 athletic year during its fourth annual All-Sports Banquet.
Headlining the evening were seniors Hailey Kowzan (women's soccer) and Eli Feekin (baseball), who received the department's highest individual honors — the Sarah Crosby and John Wesley Awards of Excellence. These prestigious awards, presented by Chaplain Mara Bailey, recognize one male and one female student-athlete who best exemplify Simpson's core values: discovery, access, citizenship, belonging, justice, and integrity.
The football program earned the Whalen Community Service Award, logging more than 600 volunteer hours throughout Indianola and neighboring communities. From playing with animals at Kiya Koda, to packaging meals for Meals from the Heartland, supporting Simpson theater productions, and assisting with gymnastics events, the team showed a steadfast commitment to service and community involvement.
Academic achievement was also in the spotlight, with women's soccer and men's golf earning the department's Academic Excellence Awards for the highest team GPAs. Women's soccer claimed the honor among large teams (20+ athletes), while men's golf topped the small team category. Faculty Athletics Representatives Barb Ramos and Kedron Bardwell presented the awards.
Seniors Max Mitchell and Dominic Lloyd received Distinguished Service Awards for their invaluable contributions to Simpson Athletics over the past four years. Mitchell, a pillar in the athletics communication office, has created graphics, statted over 90 basketball games, and served as PA announcer across multiple sports. Lloyd has been a behind-the-scenes workhorse, supporting various teams as a manager and lending a hand to the athletic training staff during home events.
Savana Walls was recognized as the Student-Athlete Fan of the Year, known for her unmatched enthusiasm and unwavering support of her fellow Storm athletes.
Tara Rehmeier, Assistant Athletics Director and Senior Woman Administrator, was voted the department's Staff Member of the Year — a recognition of her tireless commitment and behind-the-scenes leadership. Now in her 14th year at Simpson, Rehmeier is the glue that keeps the department running smoothly. From overseeing game operations and ensuring compliance, to mentoring young professionals and championing student-athlete well-being, her fingerprints are on nearly every aspect of Storm Athletics.
Jordyn Foelske, a standout member of the women's soccer team, was honored with the Barb Overton Humanitarian Champion award. A true servant leader, Foelske inspires her peers through humility and action. On campus, she's a dynamic presence involved in Simpson's Education Club, Dance Marathon, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and numerous youth-focused initiatives in Indianola.
Director of Sports Performance Sam Schmitz named Julia Wagoner (women's soccer, not pictured) and Caden Rehmeier (men's basketball) the Sports Performance Athletes of the Year. Both demonstrated dedication far beyond scheduled lift sessions and embodied the values of holistic athletic development.
The athletic department voted on the 2024-25 Play/Performance of the Year from a group of 10 finalists. Coming away with the most votes was the softball trio of Ashlyn Steen, Megan Heidelbauer, and Alexis Ehlers, who launched back-to-back-to-back home runs to help Simpson to a dominating 18-3 win over Central in a top 20 showdown in April. Watch the Home Run Avalanche as well as the other nine finalists by clicking here.
In one of the banquet's most meaningful moments, each head coach presented the Golden Thunder Award to a student-athlete who made a lasting impact on their program. Whether through academic excellence, leadership, resilience, or growth, these recipients represent the best of what it means to wear the red and gold. A full list of recipients is below.
Finally, the department unveiled finalists for several annual ESPY awards, including male and female newcomers of the year as well as male and female athletes of the year. Award winners will be announced in the summer following the completion of spring sports.
Sarah Crosby Award of Excellence
Hailey Kowzan, women's soccer
John Wesley Award of Excellence
Eli Feekin, baseball
Whalen Community Service Award
Football
2024 Academic Excellence Award - Small Team Division
Men's Golf
2024 Academic Excellence Award - Large Team Division
Women's Soccer
Student-Athlete Fan of the Year
Savana Walls, softball
Staff Member of the Year
Tara Rehmeier, assistant athletics director and SWA
Barb Overton Humanitarian Champion
Jordyn Foelske, women's soccer
Sports Performance Athletes of the Year
Julia Wagoner, women's soccer
Caden Rehmeier, men's basketball
Sports Communication Play/Performance of the Year
Home Run Avalanche – Ashlyn Steen, Megan Heidelbauer, Alexis Ehlers
Golden Thunder Recipients
Baseball – Zach Dueker
Men's Basketball – Haydon Meed
Women's Basketball – Lili Duckmann
Cheer – Christina Chapman
Men's Cross Country – Miles Combs
Women's Cross Country – Angel Schewe
Dance – Mika Anderson
Esports – Emma Van Aernam
Football – Joe Bream
Men's Golf – Brad Kofoed
Women's Golf – Tessa Rounds
Men's Gymnastics – Cody Midboe
Women's Gymnastics – Rebecca Holloway
Shooting Sports – Carson Cummings
Men's Soccer – Hope Nkomezi
Women's Soccer – Layna Depping
Softball – Kate Kriegel
Men's Swim & Dive – Brett Snyder
Women's Swim & Dive – Riley Carl
Men's Tennis – Grant Love
Women's Tennis – Coilee Hynek
Men's Track & Field – Clarke Latchum
Women's Track & Field – Aaliyah Johnson
Men's Volleyball – Anthony Potratz
Women's Volleyball – Jada Schmidt
Men's Wrestling – Andrew Wolff
Women's Wrestling – Annie Obermark
