On Apr. 29, PV honored its senior athletic class with its annual award ceremony. Six different awards were presented to five different deserving athletes.
The E. Wayne Cooley Scholarship Award was established in 1993 as a tribute to the Executive Director of the Iowa Girls’ High School Athletic Union between 1954 and 2002. The recipient of the E. Wayne Cooley Award is acknowledged for excelling on the playing field, in the classroom and in their community.
Basketball and volleyball player Isabelle Kremer was this year’s recipient of the award. “I am so grateful to have been the school nominee for the E. Wayne Cooley Award,” Kremer said. “It means a lot to me as it recognizes the time I have invested in things beyond the court.”
As a perfect leader and role model on and off the court, Kremer is a great representation of the most superior Iowa Girl.
The Bernie Saggau Award is presented to the senior athlete who is known for their character on and off the field, emphasizing sportsmanship, integrity and patriotism. Track and field and football athlete Roman Saddler has been recognized for this award for constantly exemplifying these qualities throughout his career.
The 2026 Iowa Girl title belongs to softball player Jayla Bischoff, who has distinguished herself throughout her high school career- not just in athletic achievement- but also through her positive spirit, which often infects her classmates and teammates.
The Tri-Athlete Award recognizes athletes who have participated in three or more sports throughout the entirety of their high school career. This year, only one athlete made this achievement: Jackson O’Melia. O’Melia is a key contributor in football, basketball and baseball.
Finally, the last two titles are awarded to the players who demonstrate complete excellence in their sport(s). These athletes are the top producers of their class, tallying impressive stats and accolades.
The 2026 Female Athlete of the Year is none other than Isabelle Kremer, a standout athlete and leader in both volleyball and basketball. Holding multiple school records, including career kills and rebounds, she has been a part of all-state teams in both sports and has even been recognized twice as the 5A Player of the Year in volleyball. Kremer plans to continue her volleyball career at the Division I level at Drake University.
“Even though I have dedicated countless hours to get to where I am, these awards are 100% a reflection of the support I have around me with coaches, family and friends,” Kremer shared.
The 2026 Male Athlete of the Year is baseball extraordinaire Lincoln Dalton. As a phenomenal pitcher and hitter, Dalton has played a pivotal role on the baseball team all four years of his career. He plans to continue his baseball career at the Division I level at New Mexico State University. “It feels like all my hard work over the years is being recognized,” Dalton shared. “It’s the perfect icing on the cake for my high school career.”
All of these hard-working athletes have proved that their recognition is well deserved. As they move into the next phases of their lives, they will surely continue to exemplify the qualities PV values in its students and athletes.
