Wolverine softball senior receives Cooley ‘You Can’ Award

The postseason awards keep coming for area seniors. Last week, senior Carter Osborne was named one of the many E. Wayne Cooley “You Can” Award.

The E. Wayne Cooley “You Can” Award will be awarded by the Iowa Girls Coaches Association in appreciation of the longtime Executive Secretary of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union. E. Wayne Cooley.

Cooley was a builder; under his leadership the IGHSAU was transformed into the nation’s leading high school program for girls. The “You Can” Award illustrates the qualities of determination, character and the values of Pursuing Victory With Honor. These are attributes Cooley, the Iowa National Guard and the Iowa Girls Coaches Association are proud to represent.

The purpose of the award for athletes is to recognize inspirational Iowa Girl athletes. All nominated athletes receive a certificate. The athlete must show the elements of good character (trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship). Any athlete who influenced their team in a positive manner while demonstrating great character, overcoming great odds or sacrifice is eligible. We are especially looking for the athlete that is not chosen all-conference, but is just as valuable to the team.

Osborne was nominated by Nodaway Valley co-head softball coach Ryan Zenor.

“Carter is a great teammate that always leaves it all on the field. After hip surgery her junior year, she could have given up, but she came back better than ever and has been a leader on and off the field,” Zenor wrote. “She is always cheering for others and is most deserving of this award!”

Other POI players also named award winners were Central Decatur’s Aubri Perkins, Wayne’s Jaci Trimble, and East Union’s Emma Gennaro.

2025 E. Wayne Cooley ‘You Can’ Award Winners

Eliza Tewes (Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn); Lindsey Van Es (Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn); Ada Bolson (South Hardin); Summer LaRue (Cardinal); Kavri Van Kekerix (Rock Valley); Carlyn Christensen (Missouri Valley); Max Pech (Iowa City West); Lily Fair (Riceville); Mahri Manz (Lewis Central); Shaylynn Gjerstad (Manson-NW Webster); Mike Richman (Manson-NW Webster); Aubri Perkins (Central Decatur); Addison James (Cherokee); Kaylynn Hook (Garner Hayfield Ventura; Hailey Rocha (Des Moines North); Gabriela Velaquez (Des Moines North); Bellevue Cam (Des Moines); Mora Nystroom (Boone), Elizabeth Jensen (Danville); Caitlin Needham (Boone); Lydia VanDeer (Webster City); Laurel Roozeboom (Pella Christian); Camden Moffit (Baxter); Brielle Haughey (Montezuma); Maddy Cavins (Davenport North); Miey Stewart (BGM); Sophia Fenner (Riverside); Kylie Brokel (Rockford); Kensley Walker (Sigourney); Lexis King (Linn-Mar; Rylie Imhoff (Grinnell); Lauryn Sandstorm (MFL-Mar-Mac); Becca Woelber (Sibley-Ocheyedan); Hayden McAlpine (Geeorge Little-Rock) ; Dakota Allen (Colfax-Mingo); Dakota Allen (Colfax-Mingo), Ava Erger (CR Jefferson); Brooke Bohlen (Clarksville); Ava Erger (Cedar Rapids Jefferson); Mallory Koeehn (English Valley’s) Carter Osbonre (Nodaway Valley/OM); Kenzie Rubida (Siouxland Christian); Caitlyn Mattson (Alta-Aurelia), Makinley Lutgen (Turkey Valley); Jayde Mitchell (Fremont-Mills); Brooke Meyer (Trinity Christian); Ava Tichy (Indianola); Sydni Heims (Waverly-Shell Rock); Madison Ruden (Columbus Catholic); Ila Kuening (PCM); Tahlia Hahn (Carroll); Chloe Potter (Moulton-Udell); Emma Gennaro (East Union); Noelle Hill (Davis County); Kirra Mitchell (George-Little Rock); Jaci Trimble (Wayne); Ruby Thompson (Kingsley-Pierson); Macee Nolan (Maquoketa Valley).