The inaugural April Heinrichs Award honors a Colorado senior girls soccer player who embodies excellence on the pitch, in the classroom and in her community. Here are the five finalists for the 2026 award, in alphabetical order.
The winner — who receives a trophy, a $1,000 scholarship, an honorary luncheon, and recognition at a match — will be announced on Sunday.
Position: Striker GPA: 4.04 DZ:Westmont College
The Demons’ star had 27 goals, 18 assists and 72 points in 17 games en route to earning CHSAA’s Class 2A Player of the Year and leading her team to the state title game. Blazer totaled 77 goals, 42 assists and 196 points in her career, and her impact extended well beyond the pitch. Among other outreach efforts, she led a Vacation Bible School in Costa Rica, completed a mission trip in Nicaragua, and organized a National Honor Society blood drive.
Position: Winger GPA: 4.98DZ: Oregon State
Also an All-State flag football star for the Vikings, Gentry was a four-year pillar for Denver North. She tallied 15 goals, 5 assists, and 35 points in 2026, with 34 goals, 32 assists, and 100 points for her career, while helping the program to four straight playoff appearances. Off the pitch, she is a longtime volunteer at St. Elizabeth’s soup/sandwich line, has volunteered at various youth soccer clinics, and helped organize a food and shelter relief project for migrants.
Position: Winger GPA: 4.59 College: Western Colorado
While leading her team to the Class 2A semifinals, Gesick put up video-game numbers. She led the state (all classifications) with 42 goals and 94 points in 17 games; she tallied 111 goals and 265 points in her career. Unstoppable on the pitch, she was also dynamic off of it. Gesick worked shifts at the local food bank, helped at a family literacy night, collected blankets and toys for animals, and was a leader in her Vacation Bible School.
Position: Midfielder GPA: 4.3 College: University of Denver
Talk about clutch: Morgan scored the game-winning OT goal in the semifinals and title game as Fossil Ridge repeated as the Class 5A champions. The Sabercats’ captain, CHSAA Class 5A Player of the Year and dominant two-way force, had 7 goals, 9 assists and 23 points this season. She served in Key Club International and volunteered at Children’s Hospital, for Special Olympics and for SERVE 6.8, which assists people in need.
Position: Midfielder GPA: 4.9 College: North Carolina (not playing)
The Chatfield valedictorian was a two-year captain for the Chargers who rebounded from an ACL tear that sidelined her as a sophomore. Sternberg had 3 goals, 4 assists and 10 points in 2026, with 12 goals, 13 assists and 37 points in her career. Capable of changing the game on offense and defense, she served as president of Jefferson County Relay For Life, belonged to an array of clubs and volunteered for Operation Christmas Child.
Honorable Mention
These players also received votes from the award’s 17-member selection committee: Ambry Plate, midfielder, Windsor (North Dakota State); Kate Mullen, center-back/center-mid, Standley Lake (Regis University); Brynleigh Schmitz, center-back, Columbine; Elle Ceres, midfielder, Boulder (Boston University); Canyon Tucker, center-mid, Rock Canyon (University of the Pacific); Brittany Lomas, center-back, Sheridan; Audrey Kingery, midfield, Flatirons Academy (Dordt University); Abby Reiss, center-back, Loveland; Shea Gordon, defender, Windsor.
