2017 Scholarship Winners
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Congratulations to the 2017 Josh Williams Memorial Scholarship winners!

We appreciate everyone who applied!

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​Lexi Resa
Lexi is a senior at Liberty High School in Liberty, Missouri, where she has earned numerous softball accolades including 1st and 2nd team All-Conference, District and Region for both catcher and outfield positions.  She has been playing softball since she was 8 years old, and is currently the catcher for the Northland Cougars fastpitch team.  Outside of softball, Lexi's community service revolves around her continuous work with less fortunate families through her church, as well as volunteering at the local animal shelter.  Lexi demonstrates "MSP Love" through her participation in 'Be Kind and Unwind,' which encourages random acts of kindness in school and in the community.  After high school, Lexi plans to attend William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa, on a partial athletic scholarship, to study Biology or Exercise Science and play college softball.  In the future, she would like to continue her schooling and earn her Doctorate in Physical Therapy.   
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Katherine Coens
Katherine is a senior at St. James Academy in Lenexa, Kansas.  She has been holding a softball since she was 2 years old, and is currently part of the KC Fire fastpitch team.  She is a four-year varsity letter recipient for softball and golf, and is the founder of the St. James High School Putt Putt Mini Golf Club.  In addition to sports, Katie is a member of the National Honor Society and spends her free time helping the disabled through equine therapy at CLO's Midnight Farm.  In the past, Katie has aided in a classroom setting as she has tutored third grade students on various subjects.  She displays "MSP Love" through her continuous involvement in the community as well as providing the young girls she coaches every year with a fantastic role model.  After high school, Katie plans to attend Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee to study International Business.   


Zach Reeder
Zach is a senior at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School in Shawnee, Kansas. He has played baseball since T-ball and is currently a member of the Midwest Blacksox Baseball Club. Zach’s involvement in the community includes working with Team Matthew to raise money for the Pinky Swear Foundation, as well as participating in the Pinky Swear Triathlon.  His connection to the Pinky Swear Foundation which partners kids battling cancer with sports teams, allows Zach to display endless amounts of “MSP Love” on a regular basis. This fall, Zach will attend the University of Evansville in Evansville, Indiana, on partial academic and athletic scholarships to study Sports Communication and play DI baseball with his brother, Nathan.


Alexander Harvey
Alex is a senior at Fort Osage High School in Independence, Missouri. He is a two-year varsity Letterman in baseball, cross-country and basketball at Fort Osage, and is currently part of the Indians baseball team.  Outside of sports, Alex is a member of the National Honor and National Technical Honor Societies, band, and the 4-H Club.  His work in the community includes tutoring students in criminal law, participating in numerous community service projects through Peacedale 4-H Club, and refereeing for the Upward Basketball Program.  Alex demonstrates “MSP Love” through academic excellence, extraordinary character, community involvement, compassion towards others, and great sportsmanship. In the fall, he plans to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia to major in Accounting.  In the future, Alex plans to work as an accountant or auditor and eventually own his own accounting firm. 


Kristen Kelly
 Kristen is a senior at Mill Valley High School in Shawnee, Kansas.  She is a three-year varsity letter recipient in both cheerleading and softball at Mill Valley, and is currently part of the KC Peppers - Wallace fastpitch team.  Outside of sports, Kristen is a member of the National Honor Society and Make-A-Wish.  Her work in the community includes coaching youth cheerleading, and participating in the Relay for Life and the Harvester's Program.  Kristen displays "MSP Love" by volunteering in the Kindergarten classroom, coaching, and giving back to the community in various other ways.  At graduation, Kristen will receive the Silver Presidential Volunteer Service Award for having volunteered over 175 hours this year.  After high school, she plans to continue her academic and athletic careers at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana to receive a degree in Athletic Training with a minor in business, a concentration in Applied Medicine and a certificate in Medical Sales.  In the future, Kristen plans to open her own sports medicine practice to work with athletes on preventative care and the road to recovery.  


Paige Hayden
Paige is a senior at Fort Osage High School in Independence, Missouri, where she tied the state record for most home runs (14) in a season and earned All-Conference and All-State accolades.  She is currently part of the Originals Self Gold fastpitch team, and has previously played for KC Peppers Gold.  Aside from softball, Paige is a member of both National Honor and National Technical Honor Societies.  Her work in the community includes volunteering her time at a local nursing home and fundraising for the local food pantry.  Paige demonstrates "MSP Love" by participating in the Exceptional's Softball League and constantly showing kindness to those around her.  After high school, Paige will attend McKendree University in Lebanon, Illinois on both academic and athletic scholarships to study Biology and further her softball career.  


Peyton Mosher
Peyton is a senior at Olathe South High School in Olathe, Kansas.  She is currently part of the Team KS fastpitch team, and has previously played for KC Crunch.  Peyton has a long list of activities aside from softball, which include the National Honor, Latin Honor, and Quill and Scroll Honor Societies, among many others.  Additionally, Peyton is involved in 'I Choose to Live,' a group that works to raise suicide awareness, 'B.R.A.V.E' (Bystanders Rising Against Violence Everywhere), and 'Friends of Rachel,' a club dedicated to starting a chain reaction of small acts of kindness.  Peyton demonstrates "MSP Love" with courage and honor to speak out against bullying, as she was one of the founders of B.R.A.V.E.  After high school, Peyton will attend the University of Alabama, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to study Biology/Pre-Med.  Peyton's ultimate goal is to positively impact others by becoming a doctor.  


Carli Weber
Carli is a senior at Lee's Summit West High School in Lee's Summit, Missouri.  She is a three-year varsity letter recipient for softball, and has been awarded numerous All-Conference and All-District accolades since 2014.  Previously having played for Team Power '97,  Carli has been playing competitively since she was 8 years old.  In addition to softball, Carli is a member of both National Honor and National Art Honor Societies.  Her work in the community has included volunteering at both the Alzheimer's unit at the Truman Medical Center and her church, as well as participating in the Exceptional's Softball League.  Carli demonstrates "MSP Love" on a regular basis as she repeatedly chooses a lifestyle that encourages random acts of kindness in all aspects of life.  After high school, Carli plans to attend the University of Missouri-Kansas City on a Chancellor's Scholarship, to study Civil Engineering with a minor in Art.  Additionally, Carli plans to coach softball in Lee's Summit any chance she can while in school.


Courtney Pittman
Courtney is a senior at Truman High School in Independence, Missouri where she received varsity letters in wrestling, football and tennis as the team manager.  Additionally, Courtney has been a part of the Independence Patriots and Independence Rebels fastpitch teams.  Outside of sports, Courtney is a member of the National Honor and German Honor Societies, and 'HOSA,' a club that allows for future medical professionals to practice basic clinical skills.  Her community involvement includes volunteering with the Independence Girls Softball Association (IGSA) and Crossroads Hospice House.  Courtney displays "MSP Love" through her aforementioned service in the community and as a participant in the Relay for Life.  This fall, Courtney will attend the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas to study Biology.  Her future plans include earning her Doctorate and becoming a Pediatric Oncologist, to help change the lives of children.  


Allison Keen
Allison is a senior at Northwest R-IV in Cairo, Missouri.  She is a two-sport varsity athlete at Northwest, where she has earned multiple All-Conference, Region and District accolades in both softball and basketball.  She is currently part of the Missouri Stealth 18U Gold fastpitch team, and has been playing softball since she was 4 years old.   In addition to sports, Allison is also a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA).  Her community service includes volunteering her time at the local Soup Kitchen and helping to organize various activities for foster children.  Allison demonstrates "MSP Love" by showing compassion and generosity towards others every day.  After high school, Allison plans to attend Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri, where she will major in Nursing with a minor in Biology, Spanish and Sports Psychology.  Allison will continue to play softball for the Cougars. Her future aspirations include earning her Doctorate and becoming a Nurse Practitioner.    


Emily Hale
Emily is a senior at Fort Scott High School in Fort Scott, Kansas where she is the Valedictorian of her graduating class.  Emily, a three-sport varsity athlete lettering in softball, basketball and volleyball, also plays for the Team Kansas 18U Gold fastpitch team.  Outside of sports, Emily is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council and Science Club.  Her work in the ocmmunity includes volunteering at annual food drives and the Salvation Army, as well as both the local animal shelter and nursing home.  Emily displays "MSP Love" by inspiring others to overcome adversity, even in the eyes of defeat.  In the fall, she plans to attend Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio as a Pre-Med student.  In the future, Emily plans to continue her schooling to obtain her Doctorate in Physical Therapy.   

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 Alexandria Jackson
Alexandria is a senior at Pleasant Valley Hill High School in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, where she is a two-sport varsity athlete, having earned numerous All-Region, Conference, District and State accolades in both softball and track.  Alex is also currently a member of the Victory 18A fastpitch team.  Outside of sports, Alex is involved with Show Choir at both Pleasant Hill High and her church. She volunteers her time at the Veterans home in Warrensburg, MO and the Men's Homeless Shelter in downtown KC.  Alex displays "MSP Love" with the compassion and kindness she shows towards the Veterans she regularly spends time with.  This fall, Alex will attend Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri to study Nursing and Biology, while continuing to play softball.  Her future goals include becoming a Pediatric Oncology Nurse.    

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