AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - This year’s finalists featured athletes from across the Texas Panhandle: West Texas A&M and Amarillo High alum volleyball player Currie Marusak, University of Central Arkansas and Sandies track and field alum Symone Quiles, Caprock and Lakeland University wrestler Niyasia McCampbell, former Randall Lady Raider and Mid-American Christian University soccer player Kealy Juarez, and Gruver Lady Hound and Texas Tech basketball standout Bailey Maupin.
The award recognizes excellence both in competition and in the classroom.
Maupin won this year’s award. With the win, $1,000 will go to her former high school, continuing a tradition that has celebrated Panhandle athletes for decades.
Maupin said being recognized and giving back to her community is an honor.
“It’s a great honor, especially being from the Texas Panhandle and just getting to be a part of something that gives back, especially gives back to women’s sports,” Maupin said. “So I know that each of these finalists here today are super honored to even be here. I’m happy I get to have my name up there with people like Lexi Hightower.”
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Maupin said her upbringing in Gruver shaped her career.
“I would not be here today if it wasn’t for where I grew up and who I grew up with and who coached me and all the people I got to play with,” Maupin said. “I mean those are my best friends in the whole world. I went to kindergarten with the same people I graduated with. Right now my sister is on the Lady Hounds basketball team. So just being able to be in a position to give back to my community is an honor and something that I’m very proud of.”
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