Nominate an Athlete for the WCA Nancy Nakahara Profiles in Courage Award

Help us recognize young athletes whose determination has carried them through adversity. We at the Wyoming Coaches Association (WCA) invite our members to submit nominations for the WCA Nancy Nakahara Profiles in Courage Award, honoring athletes who have overcome disabilities, illnesses or tragedies to fulfill their athletic dreams.

First presented at the 1999 State Track Meet, the award is dedicated to Nancy Nakahara, who coached volleyball and basketball in Lyman before serving as athletic director. Nakahara endured a long fight with Polymiocitis, a disease similar to MS. Beyond coaching and administration, Nakahara helped announce the State Track Meet and served at various other sporting events.

Any WCA member may nominate a deserving high school, junior high or middle school athlete. If you know an athlete whose personal triumph deserves recognition, share that story in a write-up not exceeding one page. Focus on the adversity the athlete overcame in pursuing their athletic dreams.

Send your nomination to the current WCA president at voneyea@wcsd1.org. We must receive the submission at least two weeks before that sport’s culminating event, so please keep that deadline in mind as you prepare your nomination.

We will present the award at each winner’s culminating event or events, recognizing athletes who follow in Nakahara’s footsteps as fighters. Watch for our winners periodically throughout the year.