Meet our Playmakers of Portland
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 Portland! 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
Kahleigha H
Hometown: Stanfield, OR
Age: 18
Sport: Volleyball, Basketball, and Track
"Kahleigha is a team leader for all of the teams she competes with. She uses her voice to grow others in a positive way and she is a fierce opponent. Kahleigha is working on growing a love for the game of basketball by coordinating and planning a day for our HS Basketball Athletes to join our youth program for practice and then invite them to a game where they will be announced and recognized at a HS Game night. Kahleigha is sharing her love of the sport of basketball and has a heart to continue to grow programs for years to come. She exemplifies what it means to be a Stanfield Tiger and wants our youngest players to strive to be their best for years to come."
Meet
Lora H
Hometown: Salem, OR
Age: 23
Sport: Special Olympics Swimming
Lora embodies what it means to be a Playmaker. She loves competing in Special Olympics and is always pushing to get the Gold Medal. She doesn’t let her disability hold her back. No matter what, she is always cheering on her teammates as they are competing or on the relay team with her. Lora always gives it 100%.
Meet
Lovieanne F and Sophia L
Hometown: Vancouver, WA
Age: 19, Collegiate Athletes
Sport: Softball
"Lovie is the kind of collegiate softball player every program hopes for. She shows up daily for her teammates, offering steady support, honest feedback, and the courage to speak when something isn’t right. New players never feel like outsiders around Lovie; she welcomes them with a warm smile and genuine care. Sophia is a collegiate softball player whose leadership is rooted in empathy and action. She is always the first to volunteer, stepping forward wherever help is needed and setting the standard for her teammates. Beyond the field, their impact grows even larger through her work with the nonprofit Extra Innings. They help plan and execute free clinics that introduce softball to girls who may never have had access to the sport, creating opportunity, confidence, and belonging through the game she loves and inspiring future generations."
Meet
Abigail N
Hometown: Tualatin, OR
Age: 12th Grade
Sport: Unified Soccer, Unified Basketball, Unified Track
"Abigail is in her second year being the President of Unified Sports at Tualatin High School. She brings together students with and without disabilities to create genuine inclusive opportunities through sports. She has exponentially grown the program and TuHS is now officially a Nationally Recognized Unified Champion School through the Special Olympics of Oregon. She is passionate, dedicated, supportive, altruistic, and a true change maker."
Meet
Nevaeh B
Hometown: Portland
Age: 23, Graduate Student
Sport: Volleyball
"Nevaeh Bray stands up, leads, and supports others in all areas of life: academics, athletics, mentoring, and personally. As she excels, she lifts others up too. Part of the 2019 State Volleyball Championship Team, she worked tirelessly to earn a full volleyball scholarship and is now working on an MBA. Nevaeh inspires us in the way she approaches life, athletics, academics, friendships and family. She's all in, no matter what she's doing. I absolutely love the way she mentors, supports and loves her younger teammates and the way her teammates look up to her is so special. Nevaeh was a leader on and off the court and had her best season ever this year (Pilots best season in since 2016!). She led the Pilots in blocks (78) and ranked fifth in kills (72) and for the second straight year made the WCC All-Academic Team."
Meet
Eva A
Hometown: Portland
Age: 9th Grade
Sport: Ultimate Frisbee
"Eva is an incredible athlete and leader on and off the field. She’s the first to arrive and last to leave, every practice and game. I’ve coached her for two years, and what stands out most is how she lifts up the players around her. Her talent is also undeniable. She’s competed at a national level for two years, placing 5th and 3rd in the U17 girls division at USA Ultimate Youth Club Championships. This year, at only 15 years old, she will represent the United States at U20 Worlds in Spain."
Meet
Love F
Hometown: Damascus, OR
Age: 17, 11th Grade
Sport: Basketball
"Love is a playmaker because she leads with heart, discipline, and an unshakable commitment to others. On the court, she shows up prepared and focused, elevating the play of everyone around her through communication, teamwork, and resilience under pressure. Off the court, Love is a steady presence, encouraging teammates, modeling accountability, and reminding others of their worth beyond performance. She perseveres through challenges with grace and determination, using setbacks as fuel rather than barriers. Love doesn’t just play the game; she builds community, inspires confidence, and makes space for others to succeed alongside her."
Each of our 2026 Playmakers of Portland 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