The Columbus State University Department of Athletics will mark a decade of its female student-athletes’ success during its 10th-anniversary Girls In The Game Luncheon on Thursday, Sept. 25.

The annual program, which begins at 11:30 a.m. in the university’s Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. Center, 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 a specially designed Girls In The Game medallion. 

This year’s class includes: 

• Tennis: Annie Adams, a graduate student from Columbus, Ga., pursuing a master’s degree in business

• Basketball: Haelim Adle, a senior guard from Gainesville, Ga., majoring in biology

• Golf: Samantha Dewendt Morales, a sophomore from Dawsonville, Ga., majoring in business

• Track & Field: Deandra Downer, a senior runner and jumper from Loganville, Ga., majoring in health science 

• Soccer: Anna LaBarbera, a senior from Demorest, Ga., majoring in history

• Cross Country: Anna Petallar, a sophomore from Columbus, Ga., majoring in biology

• Softball: Mary-Catherine “MC” Sorrell, a senior midfielder from Loganville, Ga., majoring in health science 

• Cheer:Camdyn White, a sophomore from Columbus, Ga., majoring in nursing

Girls In the Game is just one way we honor our Columbus State University student-athletes for their dedication to their sport and for being scholars in the classroom,” said Athletics Director Justin Hay (pictured). “This year’s class of well-deserving female student-athletes continues a legacy of being champions in athletics, academics and life.”

Hughston Clinic is the presenting luncheon sponsor, and three-time Olympic medalist DeeDee Trotter (pictured during her competitive Olympic era) will be the featured speaker. 

Trotter, a dynamic presence in track and field, secured gold medals in the 4×400-meter relay at both the 2004 Athens and 2012 London Olympics and earned bronze in the individual 400-meter event in 2012. Her path exemplifies resilience and determination, serving as an inspiration to many overcoming 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.  

A limited number of luncheon tickets and clinic spaces may be purchased online. Individuals, businesses and organizations may also designate donations to the Girls In The Game scholarship endowment.