COLUMBUS - At its 10th annual Girls In The Game luncheon on Sept. 25, the Columbus State University Department of Athletics announced the program had exceeded $1.3 million in donors' support for academic scholarships. For a decade, the program has enabled female student-athletes to reach their full potential both academically and athletically, empowering them to become leaders in life.
"As a former Columbus State female student-athlete myself, helping to continue the legacy of Girls In The Game and women's sports is a true honor," said Kristin Culpepper, head Women's Golf coach, the department's senior woman administrator and a two-time Columbus State graduate. "The program, and the scholarships it's bestowed, highlight the strength, discipline and commitment of our female athletes—in their competitive sports, the classroom, our community and life." Established in 2015, Girls In The Game has advanced women's athletics at Columbus State while spotlighting a female student-athlete from each of its NCAA Division II women's sports teams. Coaches and teammates submit nominations, and nominees participate in an interview process.
In 2019, Girls In the Game began providing these student-athletes with a one-year academic scholarship: a $2,500 Gold-level scholarship, two $1,500 Silver-level scholarships, and five $1,000 Bronze-level scholarships. Scholarship recipients also receive a specially designed Girls In The Game medallion.
Setting their sights on providing a higher level of commitment to female student-athlete scholarship, the Girls In The Game Committee in 2023 began establishing named endowed scholarships. In 2026, thanks to above-and-beyond charitable support from the community, alumni, organizations and companies, the committee will begin awarding 22 named endowed scholarships. In addition to those endowed scholarships, eight additional scholarships focused on recruiting and retaining female student-athletes have also been established and will be awarded in 2026.
"Our Girls In The Game scholarships are more than financial support—they represent an enduring investment in women's athletics, empowering female student-athletes to excel in the classroom, in competition, and as leaders shaping the future," said Athletics Director Justin Hay. "This commitment not only strengthens opportunities for women but also builds on the proud tradition of CSU Athletics and the continued success of the department as a whole."
Through the CSU Foundation, donors can establish endowments with a gift of at least $25,000 to support various university priorities, including scholarships and student programs, as well as academic programs and faculty initiatives. These can be one-time gifts, pledges fulfilled over multiple years, or planned gifts, such as real estate, stocks or other assets pledged through a donor's estate.
When a donor creates an endowment, the original gift (the principal) is invested by the CSU Foundation, and only the investment income is used to support the endowment's established
purpose. This preserves the donor's original gift in perpetuity, guaranteeing they will benefit the university for future generations.
This year's Girls In The Game festivities included a reception celebrating the Named Endowed Scholarship recipients and their donors on Wednesday evening. On Thursday, three-time Olympic medalist DeeDee Trotter served as the keynote speaker for a luncheon celebrating this year's Class of 2025 Girls In The Game medalists, followed by a "Train with an Olympian" track and field agility clinic at the university's Walden Soccer Complex featuring Trotter.
Columbus State Athletics thanks members of the 2025 Girls In The Game planning committee for their help with this year's event: Lauren Brown, JoAnne Cogle, Tanika Colvin, Kristin Culpepper, Janet Davis, Jimbo Davis, Hailey Franklin, Sheryl Green, Sandy Harris, Justin Hay, Jennifer Joyner, Sandy Lewack, Xavier Matthews, Anthony McWilliams, Merri Sherman, Linda Shinkle, Gena Stone, Ginger Surprise, Catherine Trotter, Mellanie Vinyard, Sally Walden, Dorenda Weaver, Cortney Wilson and Liz Wolverton.
It also appreciates Hughston Clinic for serving as the presenting luncheon sponsor, and Coca-Cola United and John & Elizabeth Walden for sponsoring the "Train with an Olympian" agility clinic.
Media contact: Brian Evans, Assistant Sports Information and Media Relations Specialist, Department of Athletics, 706-580-3654 (cell), evans_brian@columbusstate.edu
