Kentucky Super Preps Awards Ceremony Celebrates Student-Athletes

Kentucky Super Preps Awards Ceremony Celebrates Exceptional Student-Athletes in Bowling Green

Bowling Green, KY – The eighth annual Kentucky Super Preps awards ceremony was held on June 10, 2025, at the Bowling Green Ballpark, celebrating the outstanding achievements of student-athletes from 14 area high schools. Sponsored by the Daily News and presented by Med Center Health along with several local businesses, the event recognized the accomplishments of athletes not just in sports but also in academics and community involvement.

D93 WDNS radio personality Tony Rose served as the emcee for the event, guiding attendees through an evening filled with achievements and inspiring stories. The ceremony featured former standout runner Tyler Kelley from Warren East High School as the featured speaker, who shared his journey of resilience, recovery, and personal growth.

Acknowledging Exceptional Achievements

Tyler Kelley spoke candidly about overcoming significant challenges, including his battle with the West Nile virus and struggles with alcoholism. His transformative experience included a pivotal moment when he turned to his Christian faith, which led to his sobriety starting on February 26, 2022. Kelley has since resumed competing in ultramarathons, achieving remarkable milestones such as completing the 200-mile Viper 300 ultramarathon despite harsh weather conditions and winning the 50-mile Dances With Dirt – Gnaw Bone race in Nashville on May 17, 2025.

The awards ceremony recognized exceptional student-athletes with individual honors in each KHSAA-sanctioned sport. Notably, Barren County’s Kennedy Gill was named the Girls’ Overall Student Athlete of the Year for her achievements in volleyball. Gill plans to further her education in veterinary technology at Murray State and expressed gratitude to her coach, teammates, and family for their support.

Dane Parsley from Warren East earned the title of Boys’ Overall Student Athlete of the Year. He garnered recognition for his accomplishments across multiple sports and has aspirations to become a firefighter in Bowling Green.

Coaching and Community Contributions Recognized

Coaching excellence was highlighted throughout the evening, with Barren County football coach John Myers receiving the Coach of the Year award. Under Myers’ leadership, the Trojans achieved an impressive 10-3 season, marking significant improvement during his first year as head coach. Additionally, Brandon Combs from Warren East was honored as the Athletic Director of the Year, commended for overseeing the school’s athletic successes.

The event also included specialty awards, such as the Heart & Desire Award, which was won by Matthew Estes, and the Comeback Player Award, awarded to Abigail Byrd. Academic Achievement honors were given to Addison Browning, while Kasan Peters received the Community Excellence award. Each overall Student Athlete of the Year was presented with a $500 scholarship to support their future educational pursuits.

Significance of the Event

The Kentucky Super Preps awards ceremony serves as an important platform for recognizing the dedication and hard work of student-athletes in the Bowling Green area. With a focus not only on athletic performance but also on the academic and community involvement of these young individuals, the celebration underscores the essence of sportsmanship, perseverance, and personal growth.

As the evening concluded, attendees left with a renewed sense of pride in the local student-athletes, who continue to excel in their endeavors and inspire their peers and community members.