COLUMBUS, Ga. | Columbus State University celebrated the 11th annual Girls in the Game luncheon Thursday at the Frank G. Lumpkin Center, marking more than $1.8 million in cumulative support for the initiative. This year's event awarded 74 scholarships totaling $106,000 to female student-athletes. 

That support advances Girls in the Game's vision to honor female student-athletes, provide greater scholarship support, and strengthen all eight of CSU's women's athletic programs. Every gift, sponsorship, and act of support moves that vision forward, making a lasting investment in the women who represent Columbus State today and the leaders they will become tomorrow. 

"Girls in the Game creates opportunities that stay with our student-athletes long after their playing careers end," said Director of Athletics Justin Hay. "This support helps them earn their degrees, grow as leaders, and carry the lessons they learn through athletics into their careers and communities. We are grateful to every donor and supporter whose investment in these women will make a lasting impact for years to come." 

The program featured a keynote address from Shannon McKain, a former NFL cheerleader, current ultra-endurance athlete, and training & leadership consultant. Through her brand, Rally Mentality, McKain brought a unique perspective shaped by her experiences in professional sports, endurance athletics, and leadership development. 

The program recognized the Class of 2026 medalists, with Dr. Rayfield, McKain, and Mark Baker, CEO of Hughston Clinic and Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital, presenting the awards. Bronze medalists received $1,000 scholarships, silver medalists received $1,500 scholarships, and the gold medalist received $2,500. 

Bronze medalists were Alana Hankerson (women's basketball), Sydney Himes (women's golf), Finley Jeffers (women's tennis), and Chassidy Lock (women's track & field). Silver medalists were Layla Albright (women's cross country), Brooklyn Sumbry (cheerleading), and Makenlie Lasseter (softball). Huda Sayedzada (women's soccer) received the gold medal. 

Dr. Wilson also recognized recipients of the Named Endowed Scholarships, Hart Recruit and Retain Scholarships, and Girls in the Game Luncheon Event Fund Scholarships. 

In another first for the program, Dr. Rayfield presented the inaugural Mary Blackmon Award to Kinley Rasmus, who competed for Phenix City, Alabama, in the 2026 Little League World Series. 

The award honors Blackmon's role in establishing women's athletics at Columbus State. She joined the Columbus College faculty in 1959 and built its first women's intercollegiate athletic programs, securing scholarships and campus housing for female athletes. Her tennis teams won three state championships in 10 years, and she coached volleyball to more than 200 wins.  

Blackmon, a Columbus State University Hall of Famer, was named Georgia Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women's Coach of the Year twice in tennis and once in volleyball. 

The luncheon followed Wednesday's Named Endowed Scholarship Reception, where 28 female student-athletes were recognized alongside the donors who support their scholarships. Thursday's activities also included a free Coca-Cola cheer clinic for participants ages 10 and older, led by Varsity Spirit and the CSU Cheerleaders. 

If you would like to learn more or donate to the Girls in the Game initiative, click here.