Meet our Playmakers of Indianapolis
We believe every game-winning moment, every team cheer, and every empowering memory made on the field, court, mat, pitch, track, or pool starts with heart.
For many, National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) may seem like a random date on the calendar. For us, it's a powerful reminder of the incredible dedication, spirit, and strength that girls and women bring to sports every single day. This year, we asked you, our incredible community, to nominate the young Playmakers who embody these qualities. You responded with an outpouring of amazing nominations, each one highlighting extraordinary individuals who aren't just playing the game, but elevating their teammates.
We were so moved by your stories, and today, we are absolutely thrilled to announce our 2026 Playmakers of Indianapolis! These are the athletes, leaders, and role models whose passion shines far beyond just wins and losses. They are the heart of their teams.
Meet Zoey S
Hometown: Indianapolis
Age: 12, 7th Grade
Sport: Basketball
"Zoey is the definition of an athlete who makes a difference on and off the court. Her teammates say her passion for the game lifts everyone around her and makes the court a more positive, fun place to play. She leads by example through energy, hustle, and selflessness. Off the court, Zoey is easy to talk to and genuinely looks for ways to help those in need. She has shown remarkable resilience, overcoming health challenges and continually working to prove herself. Zoey’s character, compassion, and passion make her a true spotlight athlete."
Meet Racheal A
Hometown: Indianapolis
Age: Sophomore in High School
Sport: Wrestling
"Racheal is a female wrestler who last year won the Fargo National Championship at the 235 lbs weight class. She was the first female state champion in 2025 and runner up in 2026. In middle school she was a 3 sport athlete: football (only girl on the team and a linebacker), wrestling, and track where she threw shot put and disc. Watching Racheal tackle boys in middle school after they under-estimated her was so fun to watch week after week!"
Meet Sophie R
Hometown: Fishers, IN
Age: 15, Sophomore in High School
Sport: Softball
"Sophie's smile and positive attitude in the dugout are contagious. She's the first to start a cheer and lift up her teammates when they're down. Sophie sat out most of last season with a severe back injury, but she showed up to every practice and game to cheer on her teammates. She put in the hard work to recover and is one of our team's top pitchers. Sophie has been the consistent face of positivity, leadership, and team spirit."
Meet Mary B
Hometown: Browsburg, IN
Age: 18, Senior in High School
Sport: Rowing, Beach Sprints
"In her 6 years rowing at IRC, she has grown on and off the water. Whether organizing team events, working hard at practice, helping load boats on the trailer, volunteering, posing for her signature muscle pic, being a brand ambassador, or sprinting towards the finish line after a tough race in the waves, she does it all with a positive energy that radiates all around her."
Meet Jazmine N
Hometown: Winamac, IN
Age: High School Senior
Sport: Goalball, Beep Baseball, Track & Field, Cheerleading
"Jazmine is a powerful example of a woman in sports whose strength, heart, and determination leave a lasting impact. As a visually impaired senior at the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, she has faced significant challenges, yet she meets each one with resilience, positivity, and grace. She has consistently emerged as a leader, not only through her athletic excellence but through the way she uplifts and encourages those around her. As a member of the first all-female beep baseball team, the Sirens, she helps redefine what is possible."
Meet Blair S
Hometown: Fishers, IN
Age: College Freshman
Sport: Soccer
"Blair is known for her humility, integrity, and positive leadership, she exemplifies what it means to lead by example. She is one of the hardest working players we have had in the Indy Eleven Pro Academy Elite Clubs National League (ECNL program) over the past 10 years. Her commitment to improve, drive to win and witty sense of humor allowed her to find success on the field, at both the club and high school levels. I am certain that she will find the same success at IU both as a leader and as a member of the Indiana Women's soccer program."
Each of our 2026 Playmakers of Indianapolis truly represents the spirit of NGWSD. Their stories, shared by their proud nominators, remind us that beyond the X’s and O’s, it’s the love of the game and the impact on their communities that truly makes a difference.
We are so proud to celebrate each and every one of them. Thank you again to everyone who nominated a Playmaker, and to all of you who continue to support and uplift girls’ and women's sports. Let's keep cheering them on, because when girls and women play, everyone wins!
Game on!
XOXO,
The Sports Bra