COLUMBUS -- Marking a decade of celebrating the athletics and academic success of its female student-athletes, the Columbus State University Department of Athletics announces its 10th-anniversary Girls In The Game Class of 2025.
The program recognizes a female student-athlete from each of Columbus State's eight NCAA Division II women's sports teams. All honorees receive a one-year academic scholarship and specially designed Girls In The Game medallion. This year's class includes:
-
TRACK & FIELD: Deandra Downer, a junior runner and jumper from Loganville, Ga., majoring in Health Science
-
SOCCER: Anna LaBarbera, a junior from Habersham, Ga., majoring in History
-
CROSS COUNTRY: Anna Petallar, a junior from Columbus, Ga., majoring in Biology
-
SOFTBALL: Mary-Catherine Sorrell "MC", a junior midfielder from Logansville, Ga., majoring in Health Science
"We are so very impressed by the grit and perseverance of the student-athletes selected to represent each of our teams this year," said Lauren Brown, interim director of athletics. "These women truly represent the values and leadership attributes defined by the Girls In The Game program. They each emulate success on the courts and fields where they compete, in the classrooms where they excel academically, and in the community where they serve."
This year's class will be recognized at the annual Girls In The Game luncheon on Thursday, Sept. 25, at the Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. Center on the university's Main Campus. Hughston Clinic is the presenting luncheon sponsor, and three-time Olympic medalist DeeDee Trotter will be the featured speaker. Trotter, a dynamic presence in track and field, is a three-time Olympian celebrated for her exceptional achievements. She secured gold medals in the 4×400-meter relay at both the 2004 Athens and 2012 London Olympics, and earned a bronze in the individual 400-meter event in 2012. Her path exemplifies resilience and determination, serving as an inspiration for many to overcome challenges. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to athletics, Trotter was inducted into the University of Tennessee Athletics Hall of Fame in 2023.
Following the luncheon, Trotter will host a "Train with an Olympian" track and field agility clinic at the university's Walden Soccer Complex. The clinic is presented by local partners Chick-fil-A, Columbus Coca-Cola, and MWV Screen Printing.
Tickets for the luncheon and clinic may be purchased online individually or in groups of eight. Individuals, businesses and organizations may also donate to the Girls In The Game scholarship endowment or sponsor portions of the luncheon by contacting Lauren Brown at brown_lauren6@columbusstate.edu.
ABOUT GIRLS IN THE GAME
Established in 2015, The Girls In The Game's mission is to advance and support female student-athletes at Columbus State University, enabling them to reach their full potential academically and athletically while empowering them to become leaders in life. CSU recognized its first GITG class in 2019; since then, 62 female student-athletes have received scholarships. The eight teams represented by the Girls In The Game program comprise the university's 13 NCAA Division II sports teams and the nearly 300 student athletes who, along with the Cheer program, compete as members of the Peach Belt Conference.
