Go Sports Announces Finalists For 2026 Celebrating Women In Sports Awards

The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) is proud to announce 22 finalists for the Women in Sports Leadership and Rising Star Awards as part of the 8th Annual Celebrating Women in Sports Luncheon and Auction presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute.

“Each year, the Celebrating Women in Sports Luncheon and Auction gives us the opportunity to recognize the remarkable women who are shaping the future of sports in Greater Orlando,” said Caesar Lopez, Chairman of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission Board of Directors. “These 22 finalists represent the very best of our industry, both as established leaders and rising stars whose dedication, innovation and service continue to strengthen our sports community and elevate Orlando as a premier sports destination. We are grateful for their contributions and proud to celebrate the impact they make every day, both within their organizations and throughout our region.”

Finalists are listed in alphabetical order within each category. Three Women in Sports Leadership winners and one Rising Star winner will be announced in a separate press release in early August, along with the winner of WISE Greater Orlando’s Women of Inspiration Award.

Women in Sports Leadership Award Finalists:

• Jessica Beers, Kissimmee Sports Commission
• Damu Cherry-Mitchell, Star Athletics, LLC
• Ultima Espino, Orlando Health
• Amanda Horning, Orlando Venues
• Kaia Hyde, Orlando City SC & Orlando Pride
• Michelle Maretti, Track Shack Events
• RaeLynn McAfee, Full Sail University
• Meghan McLean, Special Olympics Florida
• Pennie Parker, Rollins College Athletics
• Audra Romao, Orlando Magic
• Sarah Ratzlaff, Orlando Valkyries

Rising Star Award Finalists:

• Alexis Campagna, UCF Athletics
• Gina Cuneo, Orlando Magic
• Alyssa Gonzalez, Orlando City SC & Orlando Pride
• Jessica Nelson, Orlando Venues
• Kendall Otridge, Orlando City SC & Orlando Pride
• Jenna Osborn, UCF Athletics
• Lauren Poppe, Orlando Health
• Courtney Quintero, Orlando Magic
• Kalee Stapp, AdventHealth
• Jessica Stein, Special Olympics Florida
• Haley White, Rollins College Athletics

The award winners will be recognized on stage during the 2026 Celebrating Women in Sports Luncheon and Auction, which returns to Addition Financial Arena on Wednesday, September 16. This year’s featured speaker is legendary gymnast, Dominique Dawes.

A three-time Olympian and a key member of the iconic “Magnificent Seven,” Dominique Dawes made history at the 1996 Atlanta Games as the first Black woman to win an individual Olympic medal in gymnastics. Today, she is the founder and brand ambassador of the Dominique Dawes Academy, dedicated to creating a safe and empowering environment for young athletes in gymnastics, ninja, and more. Beyond gymnastics, Dawes is a minority owner of the Washington Spirit and, in 2024, became a limited partner of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons. Through her Academy and leadership across sports and culture, Dawes continues to break barriers while championing joy, inclusion, and mental well-being for the next generation of athletes.

Table Sponsorships are $2,200. Individual tickets will be available for purchase at a later date. To purchase a table for the event or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Michael Kalinich at michael@greaterorlandosports.com

and Morgan Underwood at munderwood@greaterorlandosports.com.

ABOUT THE GREATER ORLANDO SPORTS COMMISSION

The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) is a private, non-profit organization established to attract and manage sports-related events, conferences and activities that drive positive economic development in the City of Orlando, Lake County, Orange County, Osceola County, and Seminole County. Founded in 1992-93, the organization has hosted or co-hosted more than 1,700 events in the Greater Orlando area with a total economic impact exceeding $3.86 billion in spending within the community. For more information, visit www.GreaterOrlandoSports.com.