Editor's note: Over the coming days, TopSports.news will take a look at all of the nominees for the 2024 Topeka Shawnee County High School Sports Awards. All nominees will be recognized at the June 26 awards banquet, which will be held in conjunction with the Topeka Shawnee County Sports Hall of Fame induction at Washburn University's Memorial Union.
SPRING SPORTS: MOST INSPIRATIONAL FEMALE NOMINEES
McCall Beall
McCALL BEALL | Topeka High
PARENTS: Thomas Beall and Andrea Palmer
SPORT: Tennis/Softball | GPA: 4.3
Beall was a team captain for the Topeka High softball team while earning first-team All-Class 6A and All-Centennial League and second-team All-Shawnee County recognition as a senior. A part of back-to-back state championship softball teams as a freshman and sophomore, Beall was also a tennis standout for the Trojans, qualifying for the Class 6A state tournament in as a junior and senior. "As much as she has excelled on the field, she also helped to lead the Topeka High student body as the student body president,'' Beall's nomination form stated. Beall also participated in band and the Topeka High Drumline, Scholars Bowl and numerous academic-based clubs.
Kendra Hurla
KENDRA HURLA | Rossville
PARENTS: Chris and Angie Hurla
SPORT: Wrestling | GPA: .4.0
Hurla won her fourth straight Class 4A-1A state wrestling championship as a senior while helping the Bulldawgs win their first wrestling team championship. ''She had immense pressure this year to win her fourth state title, but you wouldn't have known it looking at her this season,'' Rossville coach Bryce Gfeller said. "She applies the same determination that she shows on the mat in every aspect of life.'' Hurla posted a career wrestling record of 127-3 with more than 100 career pins, including a 38-0 record as a senior. Hurla also competed in volleyball, track, cheer and dance and will cheer at Washburn University. "She throws herself into every sport she competes in.''
Jill Lenherr
JILL LENHERR | Hayden
PARENTS: Jeff and Janet Lenherr
SPORT: Tennis/Basketball/Soccer | GPA: 3.541
Lenherr's senior basketball season was disrupted by an ACL injury but she was able to return to action for the Wildcats' soccer team in the spring. "Jill is very worthy of Most Inspirational because she was always upbeat and cheering on her team even though she couldn't play,'' Lenherr's nomination form stated. "Jill tore her ACL in club soccer in the fall and was not allowed to play basketball. That didn't stop her from always being at every practice and leading the team with her energy.'' Lenherr was part of Hayden's state qualifying basketball team and third-place state soccer team as a junior.
Raely Sterling
RAELY STERLING | Silver Lake
PARENTS: Zach and Tami Sterling
SPORT: Softball | GPA: 4.0
Sterling was a two-year starter for the Eagles, batting .415 for a Silver Lake team that finished second in Class 3A. "She has a unique characteristic that many others don't,'' Silver Lake coach Nick Hamilton said. "That amazing attribute is patience. Raely has had to sacrifice her time and the positions she wanted to play and just believe in the process. This year as a senior she put up some solid numbers and helped her team have one of the most successful season in our rich tradition. Raely is a true example of how trust and patience is not just about getting what you want but more about becoming who you are.'' Sterling plans to attend Emporia State.
Recent Topeka High graduate McCall Beall received All-Class 6A and All-Centennial League first-team recognition. [Submitted photo]
McCall Beall was a two-time Class 6A state tennis qualifier for Topeka High. [File photo/TSN]
Recent Rossville graduate Kendra Hurla won four straight Class 4A-1A state wrestling title and helped lead the Bulldawgs to a state team title as a senior. [Submitted photo]
Recent Hayden graduate Jill Lenherr (10) returned from an ACL injury to play soccer for the Wildcats this spring. [Submitted photo]
Silver Lake product Raely Sterling is a nominee for the Topeka Shawnee County High School Sports Awards after helping the Eagles finish second in Class 3A softball. [Submitted photo]
