By RICK PETERSONTopSports.news
Recent Hayden graduate Alyssa Droge was named the Topeka Shawnee County Most Inspirational Female Athlete Wednesday night at Washburn University.
Recent Hayden graduate Alyssa Droge was named the Topeka Shawnee County Most Inspirational Female Wednesday night at Washburn. [File photo/TSN]
Droge battled through three knee surgeries and a cancer fight to put together an outstanding softball career for Hayden.
Droge suffered anterior cruciate ligament injuries as a freshman and sophomore and and had a third injury (slight ACL tear/meniscus) in July of 2022.
In August of 2021 Droge was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, resulting in six months of chemotherapy.
Droge officially began remission in January, 2022.
"Alyssa is not only a leader on the field but also serves as a constant inspiration for the entire progam,'' Hayden softball coach Cody Reynolds said. "I get goosebumps and it makes me emotional because I'm really close with Alyssa and I'm really close to her family and I can't say enough about how strong she is.
"It's unbelievable to see her out here and I can't say enough about her.''
The daughter of Tony and Paula Droge, Alyssa compiled a high school grade point average of 4.05.
Other candidates:
Laynee Brown
LAYNEE BROWN | Seaman
PARENTS: Jeremy and Shanae Brown
SPORT: Volleyball | GPA: 4.0
Brown was an emotional leader for a Seaman volleyball team that posted back-to-back fourth-place finishes in the Class 5A state tournament. "Laynee is a dedicated athlete at SHS and the leader of our program this year,'' Viking coach Tatiana Dowling said. "She never misses a workout and holds her teammates to an extremely high standard. She exhibits excellence on and off the court and in the classroom. Her "go-getter'' attitude will take her far in her future endeavors.'' Brown earned first-team All-Centennial League and All-Shawnee County recognition as a junior and was a first-team All-United Kansas Conference and first-team all-county selection as a senior. Brown will play college volleyball at Butler Community College.
Maddie Carter
MADDIE CARTER | Washburn Rural
PARENT: Sean and Leslie Carter
SPORT: Cross country/track| GPA: 3.855
Carter was a multi-time Class 6A state medalist in cross country and track and will run at Kansas. "Like all of this year's seniors, Maddie lost her freshman spring season to the Covid pandemic,'' Rural cross country/distance coach Matt Swedlund said. "The social isolation that came along with the pandemic was a challenge, but what proved to be even more challenging was returning to "normal" school and life. At its worst, the anxiety was making it difficult for Maddie to get out of the house. She was fighting an internal battle every day, and despite doing a decent job of hiding it from her coaches and teachers, she was becoming mentally and emotionally exhausted. Day after day, week after week, she began to make progress and anxiety levels dropped and her mental health and wellness began to stabilize. She was strong and put in the work to meet her mental health needs even when it was difficult, and she held onto the hope that things would get better. She inspires us!''
Emari Doby
EMARI DOBY | Shawnee Heights
PARENTS: Justinn and Rebecca Doby
SPORT: Basketball | GPA: 4.0
Doby fought all the way back from a serious knee injury to earn a Division I scholarship to Denver University. After earning playing time as a freshman for the T-Birds, Doby missed her entire sophomore year and the following summer season after suffering an ACL tear just before the start of preseason practice for the 2020-2021 season. Doby suffered another setback six months into her rehabilitation when it was discovered she had also suffered an LCL tear. Doby returned to the court with a solid junior campaign, earning first-team All-United Kansas Conference and second-team All-Shawnee County recognition. Doby had an even bigger senior season, earning All-UKC and all-county first-team honors. Doby averaged 12.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.0 steals as a senior.
Mariah Farmer
MARIAH FARMER | Silver Lake
PARENTS: Travis and Amanda Farmer
SPORT: Basketball | GPA: 3.9
Farmer was a four-year basketball letterman and made three appearances in the Class 3A state tournament, helping the Eagles post third and fourth-place finishes. "Mariah has displayed resilience throughout her high school career,'' Silver Lake coach Kyle Porter said. "Prior to her senior year she suffered a stress fracture that sidelined her for most of the summer and into the fall sports season. Through this challenge Mariah displayed perseverance and mental toughness as she made her way back onto the court. She led our team through her words and actions, providing the ability to score, rebound, pass and guard the opponent's best player all night. Her leadership helped our team achieve another state tournament berth, our third in a row.'' Farmer was also a cross country and track standout for the Eagles.
