2020-21 IGHSAU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee

Katie Carver, Urbandale

Class of 2021

What sport(s) are you involved in?

I participate in both tennis and volleyball.

What is your favorite sports memory?

My favorite sports memory was going to state tennis my sophomore year with my teammates. We had a great tournament and had so much fun hanging out with each other and meeting new girls from all over the state.

Is there a service project that you are especially proud of?

A group at my school started putting together backpacks full of things for children in foster care. I participated in helping buy things for these backpacks and putting them together. I am proud of this service project as a whole.

Who is your favorite college/professional athlete? Why is s/he your favorite?

My favorite professional athlete is Drew Brees. He portrays good sportsmanship and team leadership.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of athletics?

When I am not busy with sports, my favorite thing to do is spend time with all of my cousins.

Do you have a favorite vacation spot?

My favorite vacation spot is Florida! I love the humidity, beaches and palm trees.

What is your favorite sports movie?

One of my personal favorite sports movies is The Perfect Game. I love this movie because it displays a young team that has a lot going against them. They really have to work to overcome that adversity in order to come out on top.

If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would you choose?

At this point in my life, I would choose to have dinner with Anne Frank. I would like to ask her how she persevered in that little annex for so long and what she did to stay occupied throughout her experience.

What are you looking forward to accomplishing as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee?

I would like to help promote female athletes having good sportsmanship and positive attitudes to make our athletics the best they can be.

What is your goal as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee?

My goal as a member of this committee will continue to be building relationships and forming connections to help be part of the voice for all of the female athletes around the state as well as to show leadership through my actions.

Kylee Cashman, Fort Madison

Class of 2021

What sport(s) are you involved in?

Volleyball, Basketball, Track, Softball

What is your favorite sports memory?

Staying at hotels with my teammates at tournaments.

Is there a service project that you are especially proud of?

I am especially proud of all the times I’m able to work with the youth of my community to compete in the sports I love and to be a role model for them.

Who is your favorite college/professional athlete? Why is s/he your favorite?

Jennie Finch because she changed the world of sports for female athletes.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of athletics?

I enjoy spending time with friends and family.

Do you have a favorite vacation spot?

I love Boston. When I visited I loved it so much so that I decided I’d live there one day.

What is your favorite sports movie?

My favorite sports movie is “A League of Their Own”.

If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would you choose?

I’d really enjoy having dinner with Alexander Hamilton.

What are you looking forward to accomplishing as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee?

Being a voice for our community and female athletes in the state.

What is your goal as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee?

To voice ideas or changes etc for the smaller communities.

Karsen Jehle, Mid-Prairie

Class of 2021

What sport(s) are you involved in?

Volleyball, Softball, and Golf

What is your favorite sports memory?

Team bonding with school and travel teams.

Is there a service project that you are especially proud of?

Teaching fitness classes to young kids trying to get them active in a fun way.

Who is your favorite college/professional athlete? Why is s/he your favorite?

Jaedynn Evans; She is a great leader and role model for the sport of volleyball and a past Mid-Prairie player that helped coach our team and still continues to support us.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of athletics?

Stay active and try new things with friends and family.

Do you have a favorite vacation spot?

Clearwater, Florida

What is your favorite sports movie?

Benchwarmers

If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would you choose?

Jennie Finch

What are you looking forward to accomplishing as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee?

I want to not only encourage younger athletes but also show the importance of leadership, teamwork, and work ethic through the sport that can be transferred for useful life lessons.

What is your goal as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee?

To be involved in decisions regarding girls' sports.

Faith McPhillips, Tri-Center

Class of 2021

What sport(s) are you involved in?

Softball, Soccer, Track, Cross Country

What is your favorite sports memory?

When coach brought a Slip N Slide to softball practice to practice sliding.

Is there a service project that you are especially proud of?

I don’t have a specific service project but I’m proud of the projects we do in 4-H some include donations to the hospital or pantries, helping with the blood drive, and planting flowers around the community.

Who is your favorite college/professional athlete? Why is s/he your favorite?

Alex Morgan; she is a very good soccer player and leader to her teammates.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of athletics?

Go places with my friends like out to eat, the movies, and lake.

Do you have a favorite vacation spot?

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

What is your favorite sports movie?

The Sandlot

If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would you choose?

Walt Disney

What are you looking forward to accomplishing as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee?

I’m looking forward to assisting in some of the state tournaments and being a voice for a smaller school.

What is your goal as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee?

To represent my school is a positive way and give ideas that can help girls be better student-athletes.

Rika Yahashiri, Iowa City

Class of 2021

What sport(s) are you involved in?

I am involved in swimming.

What is your favorite sports memory?

My favorite sports memory was when my 200 medley relay during my sophomore year placed third place at state and set a new school record.

Is there a service project that you are especially proud of?

I am especially proud of two service projects. The first one was when I volunteered at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics during my freshman year. I really enjoyed interacting with patients and other volunteers with a common interest. I learned from so many different professionals with so many different careers. The second service project was volunteering at my local Japanese school teaching and helping third graders and fifth graders. I really enjoyed interacting with younger students and mentoring them.

Who is your favorite college/professional athlete? Why is s/he your favorite?

My favorite professional athlete is probably Simone Manuel. Being a sprint freestyler myself, she has been a huge role model to me as she never gives up and works hard to achieve her goals.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of athletics?

My favorite thing to do outside of sports is probably playing the trumpet in the band. Music really helps me to relax and play beautiful music with my friends. Performing with the marching band, wind ensemble, or jazz ensemble is really enjoyable and a good balance with swimming.

Do you have a favorite vacation spot?

My favorite vacation spot international-wise is Japan because the food is heavenly. I really love noodles and desserts in Japan. Nationally, I love Rocky Mountain National Park. The mountains and hiking trails are truly breathtaking there. 

What is your favorite sports movie?

My favorite sports movie is probably Mcfarland USA. I know it is a cross country movie, but it really encases the true essence of being on a supportive team and working really hard to achieve your goals.

If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would you choose?

I would want to have a dinner with Alexander Hamilton. Being a huge Hamilton fan I would really want to watch the musical with him and talk to him about how well he thinks the musical encapsulates his life. 

What are you looking forward to accomplishing as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee?

I am excited to meet others on the advisory committee and listen to my community's opinions on being a student-athlete. I think talking about topics and issues is going to be important in benefitting the IGHSAU.

What is your goal as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee?

My goal as a member of the SAAC is to listen to my community and learn from their experiences and opinions. Listening and learning from others is my number one goal during my time as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. 

Emma Davidson, Northwood-Kensett

Class of 2022

What sport(s) are you involved in?

I participate in volleyball, basketball, and golf.

What is your favorite sports memory?

My favorite sports memory is my freshman year of golf when my team won the first round of regionals. Our coach, as the athletic director, had to tend to a home track meet, therefore he left before we finished the meet. After winning we drove to the track meet to surprise him because the win was unexpected.

Is there a service project that you are especially proud of?

My favorite service project I have been a part of was preparing and serving dinner at a Ronald McDonald House. It was a humbling experience to see how appreciative the parents were that we were there.

Who is your favorite college/professional athlete? Why is s/he your favorite?

Simone Biles is my favorite professional athlete because of her dedication and love for her sport. She also has inspired several young kids to believe in themselves and to never give up.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of athletics?

I love spending time with my family whether it's watching tv/movies, going on family bike rides, or camping.

Do you have a favorite vacation spot?

I love going to Colorado because it has so many beautiful places to visit and explore.

What is your favorite sports movie?

The movie Miracle is my favorite sports movie.

If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would you choose?

I would like to have dinner with Ulysses S. Grant because he was involved in several different aspects of US history. He led the Union army to victory during a difficult time in history, and then became president. I would like to get his perspective of that time period.

What are you looking forward to accomplishing as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee?

I hope to accomplish new ways to improve athletic participation and sportsmanship in smaller communities.

What is your goal as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee?

My goal as a member is to share my perspective of a northern Iowa school athletic program.

Abby Hughes, Glenwood

Class of 2022

What sport(s) are you involved in?

The sports I am involved in include volleyball, basketball, and track.

What is your favorite sports memory?

My favorite sports memory has been being a part of our 3A track and field state championship team in 2019.

Is there a service project that you are especially proud of?

A service project I am involved in frequently would be helping to plant and pick several fruits and vegetables at my grandparents’ house. We then donate them to our local storehouse and to surrounding communities.

Who is your favorite college/professional athlete? Why is s/he your favorite?

I do not have a favorite collegiate/professional athlete but I enjoy following the Creighton men’s basketball team. They participate in the Big East Conference and they play their home games at their downtown Omaha arena. My family and I attend their home games regularly. I also got the opportunity to train with their leading scorer last season, Ty-Shon Alexander.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of athletics?

Outside of sports I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

Do you have a favorite vacation spot?

My favorite vacation spot is St. Petersburg Beach in Florida.

What is your favorite sports movie?

My favorite sports movie is McFarland.

If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would you choose?

If I could have dinner with anyone from history it would be Jesus.

What are you looking forward to accomplishing as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee?

As a member of the student athlete advisory committee I am looking forward to meeting new people, hearing new ideas, and I am excited to help promote the Iowa girl and girls athletics.

What is your goal as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee?

My goal as a member of the student athlete advisory committee is to help keep high school athletics for the Iowa girl the best it can be.

Ella Lampe, Dallas Center-Grimes

Class of 2022

What sport(s) are you involved in?

I am involved in basketball, volleyball, and track.

What is your favorite sports memory?

My favorite sports memory would have to be when we played against ADM in basketball on the road to state. We had previously lost to them during regular season and came back and won. It was such a fun game to play because it was back and forth the whole time but we played as a team and played really well. It was just so much fun to play in that game. And I took 2 charges so that was pretty cool.

Is there a service project that you are especially proud of?

I am proud of my community service that I do around the Grimes area. I don’t think I could pick just one, but I really enjoy going to food pantry’s, vacation bible school, and doing service projects through the high school.

Who is your favorite college/professional athlete? Why is s/he your favorite?

This is a hard question for me because I watch so many sports. I have my favorite athletes in each sport but I am a big Hawkeye and Chiefs fan. If I had to choose one athlete right now it would be Luka Garza for college and George Kittle for professional (NFL). I love watching both play, they bring the energy and always work really hard. I love how you can see their work ethic on the playing field.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of athletics?

I love to ride my bike, do some crafts, puzzles, and I love to read when I get into a good book.

Do you have a favorite vacation spot?

I’ve been some really cool places on vacation, but I would have to say my favorite spot so far would either be Rivera Maya, Mexico or Destin, Florida. 

What is your favorite sports movie?

I love Remember the Titans, Coach Carter, or Greater. They are all so good! 

If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would you choose?

I would eat dinner with Martin Luther King Jr.

What are you looking forward to accomplishing as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee?

I am looking forward to learning new things about being an Iowa Girl. I’m also wanting to learn new ways to promote the Iowa Girl and how we can improve in that aspect. I can’t wait to meet new peers that have a similar vision as me, I love working with like-minded people.

Leah Ries, Maquoketa Valley

Class of 2022

What sport(s) are you involved in?

I am involved in volleyball, dance team, track, and softball.

What is your favorite sports memory?

My favorite memory was competing at the state track meet after working really hard throughout the season with my relay team.

Is there a service project that you are especially proud of?

Yes, I organized and served a meal at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital for patients' families.

Who is your favorite college/professional athlete? Why is s/he your favorite?

Marshal Yanda; he always has a very humble personality but he works very hard to be the best athlete and teammate he can be.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of athletics?

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

Do you have a favorite vacation spot?

I love to travel, so I would go anywhere.

What is your favorite sports movie?

The Blind Side

If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would you choose?

I would have dinner with Abraham Lincoln.

What are you looking forward to accomplishing as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee?

I am excited to work with others on the committee to help and make the high school sports experience the best it can be for everyone.

What is your goal as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee?

I want to meet new people and help represent and advocate for the female student-athletes of Iowa to the best of my abilities.

Maddie Schultz, Woodbury Central

Class of 2022

What sport(s) are you involved in?

I am in volleyball, golf, and softball; I also spend a lot of my time in the weight room. 

What is your favorite sports memory?

With all of the sports memories I have, my favorite would have to be when my golf team went to state my freshman year. It was a super neat experience, and I’m glad I got to be a part of it.

Is there a service project that you are especially proud of?

Last year, a small group of students got together and made tie blankets for a shelter for my brother's Eagle Scout project. I also packed boxes of food for the needy for Christmas. I can’t choose what service project is my favorite out of the two. Both made me feel like I was making a huge difference. I love being able to give to others and on top of that; it made me feel more grateful for what I have.

Who is your favorite college/professional athlete? Why is s/he your favorite?

Sis Bates is my favorite college athlete. She plays softball for the University of Washington. Sis is a very skilled player with a strong mentality. She is one of the first college softball players that I started to focus on when I got into high school.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of athletics?

Outside of sports, I am constantly with people. I like to hang out with my friends whenever possible, go to new places, and meet new people. I also enjoy biking, fishing, baking, painting, and listening to music.

Do you have a favorite vacation spot?

For the past couple years we have gone to MLB spring training in Arizona. I love everything about Arizona so it is easily one of my favorite vacation spots.

What is your favorite sports movie?

Mcfarland USA or The Blind Side is my favorite sports movie. Both movies capture heartwarming stories with easy-to-follow plots.

If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would you choose?

Out of anyone in history, I would like to have dinner with Johnny Cash. I grew up listening to Johnny Cash; he was who made my love for music so strong. "Ring of Fire" was actually the first song I learned to play on the electric guitar.

What are you looking forward to accomplishing as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee?

Coming from a smaller district, I look forward to representing not only my area schools, but schools of my size statewide. I also know many athletes in other districts, both bigger and smaller than ours. Through communicating with them, I have an idea of how other districts sports programs work. I want to promote student involvement, positive behavior, sportsmanship, teamwork, and conflict management. The less drama we have in our programs, the more successful they will be.

What is your goal as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee?

My goal is to help face current problems that the athletic association is facing. I would also like to bring more awareness to small school programs. 1A schools are just as important as 4A, and I think, sometimes, that is overlooked. We are the same people in different places.

Jada Newberg, Bishop Heelan

Class of 2023

What sport(s) are you involved in?

I participate in basketball, soccer and cross country.

What is your favorite sports memory?

One of my favorite sports memories is making it to state cross country!

Is there a service project that you are especially proud of?

One of my favorite service projects was volunteering with Special Olympics.

Who is your favorite college/professional athlete? Why is s/he your favorite?

One of my favorites is Michael Jordan. He’s my favorite because he always worked hard even if he was named the best athlete of all time.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of athletics?

I like to hang out with my friends and family.

Do you have a favorite vacation spot?

My favorite vacation spot is Hawaii!!

What is your favorite sports movie?

I like the movie and show Friday Night Lights.

If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would you choose?

If I could have dinner with anyone from history, I would choose Jesus.

What are you looking forward to accomplishing as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee?

I want to help athletes deal with the current world situations we are living with.

What is your goal as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee?

To better educate myself and other on how to become better student-athletes.