From Mark Pope to Pat Kelsey, KY Sports Figure voters comment on finishers 11-25
What media members who cast votes for the 2025 Lexington Herald-Leader Kentucky Sports Figure of the Year Award said about those who finished 11 through 25:
11. Mark Pope
2025 claim to fame: In first season as Kentucky men’s basketball coach, led Wildcats (24-12) to their first NCAA Tournament round of 16 appearance since 2019.
What the voters said: “Coach Pope is a breath of fresh air, giving UK a major shot in the arm after the program had gotten somewhat stale with a so-called ‘Calipari fatigue’ in recent years.” — Jamie Vaught, KySportsStyle.com
“The Era of Good Feelings had a great first season that has turned a little sour in season two.” — Shawn Seay, WLXG-AM 1300, FM 92.5
12. Pat Kelsey
2025 claim to fame: Inheriting a Louisville men’s basketball program that had gone a combined 12-52 in the previous two seasons, the first-year Cardinals coach led U of L to a 27-8 mark, an ACC Tournament runner-up finish and a NCAA tourney round of 64 appearance.
What the voters said: “It’s still mind-boggling that Pat Kelsey was able to ‘revive’ the program in such a short period of time. Louisville went from losing to Division II programs back to the NCAA Tournament in his first season. It’s one of the best turnarounds this state has ever seen.” — Jody Demling, CardinalAuthority.com
“(Mark) Pope and Kelsey had similar success, but Kelsey had a much deeper hole to climb out of. He resuscitated a beleaguered fan base and saved Louisville basketball.” — Paul Rogers, U of L football and men’s basketball radio play-by-play announcer
13. Sovereignty
2025 claim to fame: Kentucky-bred Thoroughbred race horse won the Kentucky Derby, the Belmont Stakes and the Travers Stakes and led North America in earnings ($5.692 million)
What the voters said: “(Trainer) Bill Mott’s decision to pull Sovereignty from the Preakness potentially robbed horse racing of a Triple Crown. Hindsight is always 20/20, but this horse’s Triple Crown decisions could define the future of one of North America’s oldest sporting traditions.” — Nick Roush, Kentucky Sports Radio Website
“Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes and Travers Stakes winner while leading North America in earnings. One of the most accomplished Thoroughbred seasons in recent memory.” — Scott Anderson, Nation of Blue
14. Brooklyn DeLeye
2025 claim to fame: Kentucky volleyball outside hitter (per set averages of 4.97 points; 4.58 kills; 2.35 digs) helped the Wildcats (30-3) reach the NCAA Tournament finals and was named 1st Team AVCA All-America.
What the voters said: “For several months in 2025, Brooklyn DeLeye was the best player on, arguably, the best team in the country. Her play in 2025 earned more members for BBN.” — Wes Chandler, EKU Sports Network
15. Brad Cox
2025 claim to fame: Louisville-born Thoroughbred horse trainer won meet titles at Keeneland Spring (10 wins) and Fall (12 wins); at Churchill Downs September (15 wins) and Fall (21 wins); and at Kentucky Downs (eight wins). Finished third in North America in wins (277), 1st in earnings ($30.255 million).
What the voters said: “Brad Cox dominated Kentucky racing with multiple meet titles and finished first in North America in earnings, keeping the state at the center of the horse racing world.” — Chris Beasmore, A Sea of Blue
16. Donna Moir
2025 claim to fame: Coached Sacred Heart Academy girls basketball team to the state title for the fifth-straight season, the coach’s eighth state championship overall.
What the voters said: “Eight state championships and five-straight? (Moir’s) clearly doing something right. Sacred Heart always plays a fun brand of basketball to watch.” — Lyndsey Gough, WKYT-TV
17. Charlie Muniz
2025 claim to fame: University of the Cumberlands catcher (.426 BA, 36 HR, 96 RBI) was named NAIA National Player of the Year and Perfect Game NAIA National Player of the Year. Ended career with collegiate baseball record 115 HRs and NAIA records of 377 hits and 356 RBI.
What the voters said: “Yet another national Player of the Year. Muniz added to his resume with an all-college career record in homers as well as defensive honors with a Gold Glove Award.” — Brad Laux, 1016 Sports
“This nominee played probably the most demanding position (catcher) in baseball, both mentally and physically. Charlie Muniz compiled offensive numbers that were crushing in a season and a career. Also, he earned the Gold Glove award for his defensive play. The number of baseball teams in the NAIA is massive. Considering all the years that NAIA Baseball has been played, with all the teams, this player set two new NAIA (career) records!” — Joel Bennett, WWKY-AM 990, FM 102.9, Winchester
18. Dan McDonnell
2025 claim to fame: Louisville Cardinals baseball coach led U of (42-24) to the Men’s College World Series for the sixth time.
What the voters said: “The Cardinals baseball team needed a revival of their own and they got a major shot in the arm this past season. After missing the tournament the previous year, the Cards made it to the College World Series for the 6th time under McDonnell.” — James Streble, WHBE-AM 680, Louisville
19. Justin Haddix
2025 claim to fame: Coached Boyle Coounty football team (14-1) to 4A state title for fifth time in six years.
What the voters said: “Haddix had never won a state title as a head coach. But he comes to Boyle County and wins five Class 4A titles in six years, all of this from a ‘county’ school. It’s been an amazing run.” — Steve Bertram, WHIR-AM 1230, FM 103.9, WHBN-AM 1420, FM 99.9 and WRNZ-FM 105.1, Danville
20. Evan Hampton
2025 claim to fame: Owensboro High School running back was named KFCA Mr. Football and Gatorade Kentucky Player of the Year. Finished second in the state in rushing (2,035 yards) and rushing touchdowns (31) and led the Red Devils (13-2) to the 5A state title
What the voters said: “Hampton was really good all season for Owensboro High School, but he cranked up the production as the Red Devils pushed to the Class 5A championship. That’s what stars do to earn Mr. Football.” — Mark Mathis, Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer
“Calling games against this kid, I can tell you he’s the real deal and if you get in his way, expect to be run over. This dude will be a beast in college (at Vanderbilt).” — Trevor Rice, WTTL-FM 104.9, Madisonville
21. Josh Hines-Allen
2025 claim to fame: Ex-Kentucky Wildcats football star became the all-time sacks leader in Jacksonville Jaguars history (now has 61). Had eights sacks in 2025 regular season.
What the voters said: “Josh becoming the all-time sacks leader in franchise history reflects elite performance maintained at the highest professional level in the NFL.” — Rufus Friday, formerly of the Lexington Herald-Leader
![Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (41) runs on the field before an NFL football matchup Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]](https://www.kentucky.com/public/latest-news/i5i4c9/picture311157325/alternates/FREE_1140/Imagn-25000455.JPG "Imagn-25000455.JPG")
22. Jonathan Hogart
2025 claim to fame: The Murray State outfielder (.338 BA, 22 HRs, 65 RBI) hit two home runs in the 5-4 NCAA Tournament win over Duke that sent the Racers to Men’s College World Series.
What the voters said: “The Madisonville native’s story of perseverance, from nearly giving up baseball entirely due to injury to finding a home with Murray State, then being the leadoff man and captain of the squad as they made it to the CWS is an inspiring one, and one that I think is deserving of this award.” Logan Whaley, WPSD-TV, Paducah
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23. Yared Nuguse
2025 claim to fame: Distance runner and Manual High School alumnus set the world record in the indoor mile run (3:46.3) in winning the Wanamaker Mile at the Millrose Games. Also won New Balance 5th Avenue Mile (3:47.7).
What the voters said: “Set a world record in the indoor mile and won major international races. A landmark achievement for a Kentucky native on the global track stage.” — Scott Anderson, Nation of Blue
24. Wan’Dale Robinson
2025 claim to fame: Playing for the New York Giants, the ex-Western Hills High School and Kentucky Wildcats star was ninth in the NFL in receptions (92) and 12th in receiving yards (1,014).
What the voters said: “While he doesn’t possess elite, top-off-the-defense speed, Robinson has become a specialist in screens and intermediate routes, much akin to guys like Wes Welker and Ricky Proehl, and a future 100-catch season isn’t out of the question.” — Edward Marlowe, WKDZ-FM 96.5, Cadiz
25. Nick Mingione
2025 claim to fame: Kentucky baseball coach led UK (31-26) to its third-straight NCAA Tournament appearance, a first in school history.
What the voters said: “What Nick has done at Kentucky is unprecedented, and he keeps making history over and over again.” — Keith Taylor, KentuckyToday.com
Others who received first-place votes
What the voters said about those who finished outside the top 25 but received first-place votes (listed in order of total points):
Chucky Hepburn
2025 claim to fame: Louisville men’s basketball senior guard (16.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 5.8 apg, 2.4 steals) was named 1st Team All-ACC and ACC Defensive Player of the Year.
What the voters said: “Just about took it upon himself to help Louisville basketball back to national prominence. The glue that held the Cards together. Not the most talented Louisville player ever but one of the most impactful.” — Ed Peak, freelance sportswriter, Louisville
Kade Elam
2025 claim to fame: Corbin High School star (.455 BA, 5 HRs, 41 RBI as hitter; 9-2, 0.74 ERA, 39 Ks in 28.1 innings as pitcher) was named 2025 Kentucky Mr. Baseball.
What the voters said: “Elam was a star for Corbin, hitting five homers and 41 RBI while also striking out 39 (!) batters with a 9-2 record. He followed that up with an NCAA Division-I commitment to the Louisville Cardinals, a strong program in the sport. Winners win.” — Cole Parke, The Cats’ Pause
DaMarcus Ganaway Jr.
2025 claim to fame: Coached Owensboro High School football team (13-2) to the 5A state title, the school’s first state championship since 1986.
What the voters said: No comments.
Frank Riherd
2025 claim to fame: The originator of the KHSAA/Riherds scoreboard announced that 2025-26 would be his final school year maintaining the site.
What the voters said: “Riherd’s dedication to the KHSAA scoreboard has served fans, reporters, players and coaches alike for 30 years. It is doubtful that any other state has a system as comprehensive and well-maintained. Anyone can go back to a game from 2002 and see who scored, or check the results in a rivalry as far back as the 1990’s.” — Peter Wilson, Georgetown News-Graphic
