Golden Bobcats - Female Rising Leader Nominations - Montana State University Athletics

Rising Leader (Female)
McKinley Winkle
Spirit Squad

"Tremendous growth and Leadership qualities. Always looking to better herself and her team for the positivity and improvement of both. She will no doubt be and is an amazing leader."

Allyssa Rizzo
Volleyball

Allyssa is very committed to what she does on and off the court. Her perspectives regarding volleyball and everyday life never fall short of reaching the goals she is trying to accomplish. I personally look up to her for her natural leadership abilities. Alyssa is such an amazing person to play with. She is a natural leader and knows what to say and when to say the things the team needs to hear. She loves the game and gives it everything she has, while giving just as much to her passion for nursing. She is going to leave a huge impact on this program and an even bigger impact in the nursing field."

McKenna Ramsay
Track & Field

"McKenna is a sophomore and is already one of the biggest role models on our team. She is always supporting her teammates and has an infectious positive attitude. She encourages her teammates to work hard and achieve their goals no matter what! McKenna is the best! Very good teammate and leads by example."

Layne Oliver
Track & Field

"Layne is always motivating everyone around her to fulfill their potential and succeed. She is encouraging and a great listener. Pretty much the team therapist."

Samantha Kelderman
Cross Country and Track

"Sam is a freshman on the cross country and track team whose leadership, maturity, and poise make her seem more like a veteran than a brand-new freshman. She demonstrates leadership by being an exceptional role model, both to underclassmen and upperclassmen. She shows concern for her fellow teammates and tries to ensure no one feels left out. She is also a fierce competitor whose willingness in races to put it all out there for her team make her an inspiration to all."

Alexandra Hellenberg
Women’s Track and Field

Alex shows incredible drive and commitment to her team. She is encouraging, driven and makes an active effort to better her team. Alex continuously facilitates an incredible team atmosphere. There isn’t a person on the team who doesn’t feel a warm connection with her. Freshman feel comfortable going to her for help, and even upper classmen can feel a sense of mentorship and leadership from her. Alex Works her butt off every day, quietly does what is needed to improve but isn't afraid to call someone out for slacking off. Underclassmen and Upperclassmen alike look to her for guidance."

Ellen Brooks
Women’s Track and Cross Country

Leadership: Member of SAAC, Coaches Advisory Council, Organizes team activities. Has battled injury with a cross-training fury like no one else I know. And even though she hadn’t been running, she returned for this indoor track season with a high level of fitness. Ellen helped the Conference DMR team place 3rd! Academics: Maintaining a 4.0 in Chemical Engineering. Works in a research lab."

Blaire Braxton
Women’s basketball

"She is an outstanding leader on and off the court. She has endured several injuries but has continued to be selfless and encouraging to her teammates and others around her. She puts full effort into her sport as well as extracurricular and academics. She is also very personal and is incredibly “street smart” which goes further than book smart in my humble opinion. She is a successful student athlete in all categories that are important for ultimate success in life. To win this award I do not believe one can be good at just their sport and academics but must do well in every aspect of their lives which Blaire has achieved."

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