ATLANTA, Ga. (July 6, 2026) - The Collegiate Conference of the South (CCS) has announced nominees for the prestigious Woman of the Year award. 

This award recognizes the top female student-athlete for their athletic, academic, service, and leadership involvement during the academic year.

Nominees for the Woman of the Year Award
 


Amanda Mclendon, Women’s Basketball, LaGrange College

Amanda exemplifies excellence in every aspect of the student-athlete experience through her outstanding academic achievements, exceptional athletic performance, leadership, and commitment to serving others. An Elementary Education major with a 3.8 cumulative GPA, Amanda has consistently demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence while balancing the demands of collegiate athletics. Her dedication to the classroom reflects the same discipline, preparation, and perseverance that have defined her athletic career.

On the court, Amanda has established herself as one of the most accomplished players in LaGrange College women’s basketball history. She leaves a legacy as the program’s all-time leader in rebounds, blocks, and career double-doubles. Throughout her career, Amanda has been the foundation of our program, impacting games through her relentless work ethic, physical toughness, defensive presence, and ability to elevate those around her. Her consistency, leadership, and competitive spirit have played a vital role in our team’s success and championship culture.

What truly separates Amanda is her commitment to serving her community. She has participated in numerous service initiatives, including Build the Beds for Troup County, volunteering at Vernon Woods Assisted Living where she spent time playing bingo with senior residents, participating in the Domestic Violence Candle Vigil, supporting Harmony House, feeding the homeless through community outreach efforts, serving at Our Daily Bread, and volunteering as Pouncer, the LaGrange College mascot, at various campus events. Amanda embraces every opportunity to make a positive impact and consistently demonstrates compassion, humility, and servant leadership.

Amanda represents the very best of collegiate athletics. She is an outstanding student, an elite competitor, a respected leader, and a dedicated servant to her community. Her accomplishments and character embody the values of the CCS, making her exceptionally deserving of this prestigious recognition.

-Steve Kenner, Women’s Basketball Head Coach, LaGrange about Amanda Mclendon
 



Brooke O'Carroll, Women’s Cross Country/Track & Field, Asbury University

My experiences in academics, athletics, and leadership roles have taught me the value of dedication and humility. When I seek to celebrate the inherent dignity of others, I am better able to serve and uplift them. One of my students looked up at me with a smile spreading across his face. “I still have your note, Miss O’Carroll,” he said proudly. The note this student was talking about was a personal encouragement I wrote to each of my students before I switched student teaching placements. I remembered staying up late to write these notes and wondering if it would even mean much to my students. I realized that if I am the only person who speaks a word of encouragement into these children’s lives, it would be worth it. This experience inspired me to be a person who goes the extra mile to encourage others.

Our cheers echo through the track stadium. Not because we won a championship or scored a point, but because our team culture is one of celebration. Celebrating the passed biology test, getting a full eight hours of sleep, or even just a good day. We celebrated and cried together. This team culture of belonging and unity propelled us to succeed as a team and shaped us as people. As a team captain, I had the honor of helping to cultivate this team culture. In every space I find myself in, I want to be the person who cultivates a sense of belonging and a culture of celebration.

Sitting and listening, simply being present. A type of quiet leadership I never would have imagined was leadership years prior. The moments that shaped me as a leader were when I simply sat with my residents and felt the weight of the difficult situations they were going through. Knowing their struggle, I was able to walk alongside these girls and offer the calm reassurance that they are not alone.
Water and granola bars, that’s all we had to give them, or so we thought. Serving the homeless of Lexington shattered my beliefs about those experiencing unfortunate circumstances. They were hungry to be seen, to be treated with the dignity they deserved. That was the most valuable gift we could give them. I want to continue to simply be the person who celebrates the inherent dignity and value of every person I encounter.
As an educator, I want to make every one of my students feel seen and valued in my classroom. I want to inspire them to chase their dreams but learn to do so in a way that empowers and dignifies those around them. After teaching here in the States, I hope to move abroad and teach English in a developing country. My time at college has forever altered the way I view my life. A life well lived is a life given in service to others.
 

Emma Antonoplos, Women’s Soccer, Belhaven University

Throughout my time at Belhaven University, I have been blessed with opportunities that have challenged me, strengthened my faith, and shaped me into the person I am today. As a student-athlete, leader, and servant, I have learned that success is not measured by accomplishments alone but by how we use the gifts God has given us to serve others and bring Him glory. Each experience has taught me perseverance, humility, and the importance of investing in the people around me. Balancing academics and collegiate athletics required discipline, consistency, and trust in God’s plan.

Striving to grow both in the classroom and on the field taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and faithful stewardship of the opportunities God provided. At the same time, those experiences reminded me that I did not walk that journey alone. I am grateful for the coaches, professors, teammates, family members, and mentors who encouraged me throughout my time at Belhaven. Through both successes and setbacks, God continually reminded me that my identity is found in Him rather than any title, award, or accomplishment.

Soccer became one of the greatest teachers in my life. Serving as captain of the women’s soccer team was one of the greatest privileges of my college experience. Leadership taught me that influence is not about recognition but about serving others, encouraging teammates, and helping create an environment where people can grow. I was honored to earn recognition during my final four seasons, but the accomplishments I value most are the ones we achieved together as a team. The most meaningful moment of my athletic career was helping lead our program to the first conference tournament championship victory in school history. That experience showed me what can happen when people commit themselves to a shared purpose and support one another through every challenge. Beyond athletics, serving in the community has deepened my understanding of leadership and faith.
Through opportunities to serve in churches, schools, senior living communities, ministries, and organizations supporting children with special needs, I have learned the importance of meeting people where they are and showing Christ’s love through simple acts of service. These experiences taught me that making a difference does not always happen through grand accomplishments. Often it happens through faithfulness in small moments, offering encouragement, and being willing to serve wherever there is a need.

Belhaven has helped me understand that leadership is ultimately stewardship. Every opportunity, talent, and platform we are given is a gift from God and a responsibility to use for His purposes. Whether in the classroom, on the soccer field, or in the community, I have learned that true impact comes from serving others and helping them reach their potential. As I move forward, I hope to continue leading with humility, serving with compassion, and using the lessons I have learned at Belhaven to honor Christ and positively influence the world around me.

 



Hannah Ford, Women’s Soccer, Covenant College

My journey at Covenant College has been defined by academic rigor, athletic discipline, and community service. Together, these experiences have shifted my understanding of leadership from personal achievement to a commitment to empowering those around me.
 
As a scholar, my coursework in Spanish, Political Science, and Writing allowed me to engage with complex global issues. The enthusiasm of my professors was contagious, awakening in me a deeper passion for topics like trustworthy reporting and the pursuit of justice within the U.S. court system. Immersing myself in a study abroad semester in Quito, Ecuador further inspired me. I am deeply grateful for my relationship with my non-English-speaking host parents, and they remain a meaningful part of my life today. They gave me the language skills and confidence necessary to cross cultural divides, even in my hometown of Chattanooga, TN. My education taught me how to problem-solve and fostered a desire to address oppressive systems. This passion manifested in my senior thesis—a comparative analysis of penitentiary systems in El Salvador and Norway—which exposed
systemic disparities in justice and rehabilitation. Additionally, participating in the Maclellan Scholar program anchored my education in purposeful leadership development. I took several leadership classes with my cohort that taught me the value of humility and resilience under pressure.
 
As an athlete, serving as a captain of the women’s varsity soccer team allowed me to practice the leadership techniques I learned from the Maclellan program. While my early relationship with soccer was driven by a pressure to prove myself through performance, my time at Covenant completely reframed the game. Leadership on the pitch became less about personal validation and more about fostering team cohesion and acting as a reliable liaison between the coaches and players. I also realized that some of the most meaningful aspects of athletics are the relationships developed through shared goals and mutual support. Managing competitive pressures alongside my teammates taught me mental toughness and the value of shared trust—lessons I carry into the professional world now. These lessons have converged in my leadership off campus as well. In Quito,
I interned with a non-profit called Pan de Vida, facilitating donation programs for underserved communities. Throughout this experience, I grew in respect for Ecuador’s culture and formed meaningful connections with clients. Closer to home, my summer internship with La Paz Chattanooga allowed me to shadow the Legal Access Coordinator connecting immigrant populations to attorneys. I also helped La Paz’s food pantry transition from a pre-packed model to a client-choice model. This shift was a practical way to honor human dignity and agency in the midst of challenging socioeconomic circumstances.
 
My experiences have taught me that impactful leadership is not about commanding authority but about lifting others up and being attentive to their needs, which allows for reciprocal blessing. By blending the teamwork skills of an athlete, the critical perspective of a Maclellan scholar, and the empathy of a community servant, I hope to continue growing as a woman who leads with compassion, courage, and integrity.
 

Iris Ray, Women’s Soccer, Agnes Scott College

Because an MVP can look different & doesn’t always align with stats. College soccer asks more of you than that. It asks for sacrifice. Early mornings, long nights, playing through pain, balancing school & her life, all while competing tremendously. This SA lived all of that. She is someone who showed up every single day—when it was 100 degrees in preseason, arriving early & staying late to work with others. She is someone who led not just with their voice, but with her actions. When the game got hard, we looked to her. When the team needed belief, she gave it. When others were tired, she found another level.
But what makes me most proud isn’t just the player she is—it’s the teammate. The way she lifted people up, held this group together, and represented what this program stands for. Years from now, people might forget the scores, but they won’t forget the impact you had on this program. She led the team in points this season with 10 (4 goals & 2 assists) & did so while only playing 10 games this season. She is the first Agnes Scott Soccer player I have coached here who has played all 4 of her eligible seasons. She was voted as a co-captain this season.

-Jared Rose, Women’s Soccer Head Coach, Agnes Scott about Iris Ray




Maddie Grace Hubbard, Softball, Huntingdon College

As a member of the softball team and many other organizations at Huntingdon College for four years, I have been shaped into a leader, teammate, and resilient person. As a student-athlete, I learned how to balance the demands of academics, athletics, my relationship with Christ, and campus involvement while pushing to be the best person that I could be in each area. The discipline, time management, and perseverance required to compete at the collegiate level have prepared me to face challenges in my future with both confidence and determination.

Beyond the softball field, I actively looked for opportunities to serve and lead my campus community. Through my involvement in greek life, clubs, and leadership positions helping different organizations across campus, I have had the opportunity to connect with a multitude of people from different backgrounds in order to create a welcoming environment wherever I was on campus. I made it a priority throughout my collegiate career to create a positive image of Huntingdon college no matter where I went. These experiences have taught me that leadership is not about a title but about using the opportunities that I have been given to serve others, build relationships, and make a positive impact wherever I go in life beyond college. Athletics has also shown me the importance of teamwork and accountability. Success is rarely achieved alone, and I have learned the value of supporting the people around me, encouraging others, and being a kind and smiling person for anyone. Whether I am on the field, in the classroom, or just around campus, I want to bring a positive impact and attitude to inspire the people around me.

My experiences in the classroom have reinforced my commitment to learning throughout my entire life. I believe that in order to strengthen yourself in a personal way, you must understand the impact that striving to always learn one new thing every day can have on you. Pursuing a tough academic path while competing as a collegiate athlete has challenged me to remain focused, adaptable, and motivated. These qualities have fueled my passion for healthcare and my desire to serve others through a career dedicated to helping others.

Pouring into my college career athletically, academically, and with campus involvement has helped me to make a positive impact on my community. They have taught me the importance of creating meaningful change and that it starts with service, faith, wisdom, compassion, and the willingness to invest in others. As I continue into graduate school and my career I hope to bring these qualities that I have learned with me each and every day.

 



Paige Kluba, Women’s Soccer, Piedmont University

My experiences as a student-athlete and leader on campus and across the country have made me who I am today. When I first came to Piedmont, I never could have imagined the experiences I would have on campus and in Division III. Throughout my experiences, I have learned not just my role on the field as a constant supporter of my teammates, but also a dedicated friend to those around me. I love to work hard and to create success for the organizations I am apart of, but nothing beats helping the people around me to find success. Attending Piedmont, serving on National SAAC, and working my internships has taught me how deeply I care about people and how important it is to take care of your tribe. I couldn’t be more grateful for the people who have helped me get to where I am today, and I can only hope that I can help support them in their careers and life. Playing soccer and tennis taught me so much about enjoying the process and taking risks on things that may seem scary, because you never know where it may lead. The moments that have shaped me into the woman I am today are the ones that I never saw coming, but took by the reigns and flourished. Moving to Montana at 19, joining the tennis team as a senior, applying to be on DIII SAAC, and even going to a small school in the northeast Georgia mountains were some of the most impactful decisions in my college experience, and they all happened when I took a chance on the unexpected. I cannot wait to go into the world and share my story of taking risks with other student-athletes, because although it may be scary, taking a risk just might mold your life into something great. I’m very blessed for my experience at Piedmont and in the CCS, and I am honored to be considered for the Woman of the Year.