Athena Award Finalists: Excellence in Athletics and Leadership

Pictured left to right: Aniiya Johnson, Zarihana Rennie, Desirai Chappell, Maddie Mendelblatt, Audrey Olson, Emma Govenat

 

We are excited to announce the winner and six finalists for the 2025 Athena Award, recognizing outstanding female student-athletes who have demonstrated excellence in athletics, leadership and community involvement. These remarkable young women have made significant contributions to their various sports, teams and the Richfield community.

We are incredibly proud of all the nominees and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors. You can read about each of our finalists and the winner below.

Aniiya Johnson, Athena Award Finalist

Aniiya has played basketball for three years at RHS. She loves the sport for its sense of sisterhood and the lifelong connections she has built with her teammates. "I love going out of state to see different talents and playing against them, I love the connections and new friendships I gained with this sport and I love the skills that I gained from practicing and working hard to where I am now," she shared. Aniiya describes the Richfield community and basketball team as a true family where everyone is supported and encouraged. 

"This team is a special team that will have a piece of my heart forever," she said. Her advice to newcomers is to work hard, have fun and stay committed, as hard work always pays off. "Time and effort will get you far in sports and in life, so don't give up and have fun, and always remember that if you continue to work on the sport, you will see the results for your commitment." Aniiya plans to study Dental Hygiene at Minnesota State University–Mankato and earn her Bachelor's in Biology.

"The coaches and teammates at Richfield brought back my love for basketball, encouraged me, and made me better and better," she shared. "I'm so thankful to my coaches and teammates at Richfield for always believing in me."

Zarihana Rennie, Athena Award Finalist

Zarihana has been a dedicated basketball player for 11 years, spending the past three years playing for the RHS Girls Basketball team. She finds strength in the sport, especially after having to relearn how to walk at a young age following a car accident. "Basketball is the one thing that kept me going," she said. Zarihana describes her team as a sisterhood that always has each other's backs.

"We support each other and push one another to be better than the next, and the Richfield community always comes to our games to support," she shared. She believes hard work and dedication pay off and encourages others to never give up on what they love, no matter how hard things get. 

After graduation, Zarihana will continue her basketball journey at Iowa Lakes Community College, with plans to become a zoologist.

Desirai Chappell, Athena Award Finalist

Desirai has played basketball in Richfield since third grade, and the sport has become a cornerstone of her life. She credits basketball for helping her build lifelong friendships, accountability and leadership skills. "Basketball has created a safe space for me to be who I am," she said. "I have learned to lead a team, be led and work together with others." Desirai describes the Richfield community as a steadfast support system that has celebrated her achievements and lifted her up during challenges. She feels fortunate to have finished her senior year alongside lifelong friends and fellow Spartans. 

"This year, my team has worked together to create upsets, win together and lose together," she said. "No matter the scenario, we have done it together. The relationships I have created this year have changed my life and will stay with me forever." 

Desirai plans to study Criminal Justice at Kirkwood College in Iowa, with aspirations to work in forensics or solve cases.

"I am happy to be nominated for this award alongside my same classmates from kindergarten," she said. "Across each sport, we have all worked extremely hard and have all been honored to be a Richfield Spartan. Best of luck to all of the nominees in their future endeavors."

Madeline Mendelblatt, Athena Award Finalist

Madeline has played volleyball for five years, bringing passion, skill and leadership to the court. She loves playing volleyball because it allows her to be herself and enjoy every moment on the court with her best friends. For Madeline, volleyball is not just about competing, but also about sharing and teaching the skills she has learned. "This connection to the sport and the community makes it so special to me," she shared. 

Madeline remembers stepping into tryouts as a freshman and immediately feeling welcomed by the team and coaches. "The players and coaches made it feel like I had been part of the team for years," she recalled. "Over my four years with Richfield Volleyball, I've experienced tremendous growth, both in the sport and within the community. Being a role model for younger girls holds a special place in my heart, and as my time with the team comes to an end, I hope I've helped foster an environment that will inspire future players to carry on the legacy." 

After graduation, Madeline will attend the University of Illinois–Springfield to play Division II volleyball. She plans to study Exercise Science and Pre-Physical Therapy to become an athletic trainer.

Emma Govenat, Athena Award Finalist

Emma has been on the Swim and Dive team at RHS since 8th grade and began competitive swimming at age 9. Swimming provides her with a sense of calm and focus. "Getting into the pool after months of training, knowing how much work I've put in, quiets the craziness of the world," she shared. Emma has served as a captain of the Richfield Girls Swim and Dive team and feels that it is one of the most welcoming teams on the planet. "The team welcomes everyone- regardless of ability, speed, age or any other factors," she shared. "When I joined the team in eighth grade, I felt like I truly belonged and felt so supported by all of my teammates." 

At the end of her freshman year, Emma struggled with a long-term concussion that prevented her from swimming for much of her sophomore swim season and triggered additional chronic health problems. "Regardless of these health problems, I have still tried to work my hardest to perform well in and out of the pool, and I work to advocate for all students (athletes and not) to speak up if something doesn't feel right," shared Emma. "While my health journey was not one I would've hoped for, it truly made me find who I am outside of sports and what I want to do with my life. For that, I am so grateful."

In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Emma started a branch of a nationwide program known as Morgan's Message at RHS! Morgan's Message focuses on ending the stigma around mental health in athletics, encouraging conversations around student-athlete mental health, and ensuring mental health is as important as physical health. You can read more about Morgan's Message here.

After graduation, Emma plans to study Kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison to become a sports medicine physician. Her inspiring journey includes overcoming health challenges and advocating for mental health awareness through Morgan's Message.

Audrey Olson, Athena Award Winner

Audrey is a multi-sport athlete who has played softball since age four and started playing volleyball in seventh grade at Richfield Middle School. She has continued to play both sports at Richfield High School. 

For Audrey, sports have been a means of personal growth, teaching her sportsmanship, teamwork and discipline. "One thing that has always been important to me is to grow," she said. "I not only strive to be a better player but a better person." Audrey also values the relationships she has built and contributes them to her love for sports. Audrey will continue her softball career while studying Biology at the University of Minnesota–Morris, hoping to become an anesthesiologist.

"I just want to say thank you to everyone who has helped me get to where I am," she shared. "I have the most supportive family and an abundance of coaches and staff who have always been there for me and who want to see me succeed. I would not be here without any of you, so thank you all!"