2025-26 ICCAC Female Student-Athlete of the Year Finalists Announced
The ICCAC announced the four finalists for the 2025-26 ICCAC Female Student-Athlete of the Year Award. It is the ninth year the award has been presented, and it honors those who exemplify what it means to be a student-athlete. Multiple criteria are considered for the award, including athletic accomplishments, community involvement and academic success during the 2025-26 school year. The winner of this year's Female Student-Athlete of the Year Award will be announced Wednesday, May 20.
The finalists for this year's award are:
Shannon Finn - Kirkwood - Softball
Shannon Finn is always giving 110%, whether it's on the field, in the classroom or in the community. This season, Finn has led the Eagles to a staggering 58-5 record, winning the Region 11 Championship and advancing to the NJCAA World Series. Individually, Finn is currently third in the NJCAA in two statistical categories: runs (95) and walks (47).
Her success on the field has led to ICCAC Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All-Region honors, and with her current season, she is likely on track to earn All-American recognition. In the classroom, she has racked up both First Team Academic All-Region and First Team Academic All-American honors.
Outside of the classroom and away from the field, Finn also serves the community. She is actively involved with The Salt Company and helps with Kids for Christmas, among numerous other activities.
The impact Finn has made at Kirkwood leaves a legacy of dedication and hard work, no matter the activity. The Eagles' outfielder is committed to continuing her playing career at Creighton University.
Keyahna Phillips - Iowa Lakes - Wrestling
Keyahna Phillips has made an impact at Iowa Lakes and left her mark on the wrestling program. A national champion this past season while wrestling in the 180-pound weight class, Phillips has been a top NJCAA wrestler for two years with the Lakers. Her 31-5 record, competing at a high level and becoming the first national champion in program history leave a lasting impact.
Phillips' incredible performances on the mat have racked up a few awards. Among them are two-time ICCAC Wrestler of the Week, two-time NJCAA All-American and national champion.
A true junior college inspriation story, Phillips has been an incredible asset in the community. Her passion for wrestling is clear as she coaches youth wrestling to help inspire the next generation of women's wrestlers as the sport continues to grow. Outside of this, she also donates her time to helping at the local food bank.
The impact Phillips has had at Iowa Lakes extends in many directions, setting a standard for Iowa Lakes wrestling and benefiting the community. Phillips is set to continue wrestling next season at Oklahoma State University.
Talya Sampson - Iowa Central - Volleyball
Talya Sampson excels in any activity, from the court to the classroom or helping in the community. For the Tritons, Sampson was indispensable on the court, scoring 830 points this past season, leading the NJCAA. She alone led the nation in kills by over 200. Her abilities on the court helped improve the rest of the team, as Iowa Central finished with a 31-9 record and an NJCAA National Tournament appearance.
The awards followed her success on the court, with ICCAC Player of the Year, First Team All-Region, First Team All-American, four ICCAC Player of the Week honors, two NJCAA Player of the Week honors and AVCA First Team All-American recognition. That success also translated to the classroom, with incredible grades earning her First Team Academic All-Region and All-American honors.
In the community, Sampson is involved with leadership groups, coaches club volleyball and also helps coach at volleyball camps.
At Iowa Central, Sampson leaves a legacy of excellence on the court and off while still finding the time to help others. Sampson has committed to the University of West Florida to continue her academic and athletic pursuits.
Reggi Spotts - NIACC - Basketball
Reggi Spotts leaves a positive legacy behind at NIACC as a talented player, a great student and a kind person. This past season for the Trojans, Spotts averaged 18.8 points per game and scored 600 total points, seventh-most in the NJCAA. She helped lead the Trojans to back-to-back Region 11 championships and to the quarterfinals of the NJCAA National Tournament, finishing the season 28-4.
Spotts was named the ICCAC Player of the Year this past season and was a First Team All-Region selection. Her high level of play also earned her First Team All-American status. In the classroom, Spotts was just as successful as on the court, earning First Team selections to both All-Region and All-American.
Beyond the court or classroom, Spotts is an incredible contributor to the local community. She helps in a variety of ways on campus, including serving as a resident assistant and participating in the NIACC Lead Academy, among other activities. She also contributes her time to helping with a multitude of church events to help others.
NIACC and the Mason City community will remember Spotts as an incredibly special talent who was a positive influence. Spotts will stay in the state and not far from NIACC, as she will continue her basketball and academic career at Iowa State University.