Meet our Playmakers of St. Louis
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 St. Louis! 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 Olivia S
(AKA Cherry Bomb)
Hometown: St. Louis
Age: 15, Sophomore in High School
Sport: Roller Derby
"Cherry Bomb has been part of St. Louis Junior Roller Derby for several years, growing from a determined young skater into a true leader on and off the track. For the past two seasons she's been voted Team Spirit for her positivity, inclusiveness, and the way she welcomes every new skater. She naturally organizes and motivates her teammates, helping them stay focused, confident, and connected. This year, she's proudly aiming for Team USA Junior Roller Derby. She also shows up for her community with heart, leadership, and grit."
Meet
Tessa C
Hometown: St. Louis
Age: High School Senior
Sport: Volleyball, Basketball, Lacrosse, Soccer
"Tessa's impact reaches far beyond the court. Despite significant adversity and competing in a program where wins are hard-earned, Tessa's spirit, resilience, and work ethic never waver. She leads by example - first to arrive, first to push herself, and first to lift up a teammate. She anticipates needs, follows through on commitments, and creates positive outcomes daily. Tessa plays not for recognition, but for growth and love of the game. Her joy, integrity, and selflessness consistently make everyone around her better and stronger."
Meet the Edwardsville High School Girls Varsity Flag Football Team
"In the team's 1st season, with zero previous football experience, they walked away with a conference title, a regional title, a sectional title, and a bid at the state tournament. With a loss in the quarterfinal game of 14-13. They have broken records and made history! They are the pioneers of the next generation and for us as coaches it's literally been a dream to be able to coach them!"
Meet
Morgan H
Hometown: Fenton, MO
Age: 16, Junior in High School
Sport: Ice Hockey, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Golf
"Morgan is the goalie and captain for the Lady Blues and goalie for the John Burrough's boys team, and many other regional selection teams. She is a dedicated ice and field hockey athlete who exemplifies perseverance and excellence. As a standout ice hockey goalie, she travels extensively to compete at a high level, which fuels her competitive drive. Despite the demands of elite athletics and travel, Morgan remains a strong student and a positive role model. Her work ethic, resilience, and passion for the game make her truly deserving of recognition."
Meet
Lailah H
Hometown: Arnold, MO
Age: 10, 5th Grade
Sport: Power Tumbling and Trampoline, Cheerleading
"Lailah leads by example through dedication, resilience, and heart. In power tumbling and trampoline, she pushes herself to master difficult skills while encouraging her teammates to do the same. As a cheerleader, she brings loudness, energy, teamwork, and a positive attitude to every practice and performance. Off the mat, Lailah is supportive and kind, always lifting others up and celebrating their successes. Her strong work ethic, coachability, and willingness to help others make her a true role model both in sports and in everyday life."
Meet
Mia D
Hometown: Columbia and St. Louis, MO
Age: College Sophomore
Sport: Soccer
"Off the field, Mia volunteers weekly with The Crossing Kids at her church in Columbia, Missouri, has already completed 45 hours of community service during her college career, and regularly volunteers with Special Olympics across multiple sports. Her kindness, generosity, and willingness to uplift others reflect the same discipline and heart that define her athletic career. In high school, she was the soccer team captain and showed an impressive work ethic in both practices and games. Her teammates then and now respect her sincerity and commitment as well as her strong sense of loyalty and dependability."
Meet
Anna M
Hometown: Clayton, MO
Age: 19, College Freshman
Sport: Soccer, Cross Country, and Track & Field
"Anna scored the game winning goal for both of Clayton Girls Soccer State Championships. She was never the leading goal-scorer but was a great teammate and a clutch performer. Anna persevered her senior year by fighting back from a serious injury just to be cleared to play for the playoffs. Her dedication to come back from the injury was inspirational. She was a leader in the cross country, track and swimming programs as well. She helped make everything she participated in more competitive. She was a great teammate and leader. She currently runs cross country and track for Washington University."
Each of our 2026 Playmakers of St. Louis 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