Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: 2025 Carol Donnelly Award winner Lauren Gibb with her parents, Mary and Judd. The Donnelly Award is given annually to the top female senior student-athlete at St. Edmond.

For the first time since 1998, St. Edmond honored two student-athletes with the prestigious Carol Donnelly Award, as the honor went to both Lauren Gibb and Mariah Myers.

Presented annually to the top senior girl at the school, Gibb was a multi-sport standout for the Gaels during her entire time with the school. She will now continue her softball career at Iowa Central in the fall.

Gibb shared the volleyball court and softball diamond with Myers over the last two years, forming a strong senior tandem for both programs.

“It was a great honor to have received this award (alongside) Mariah,” Gibb said. “She is a great person and athlete, so it was incredible to be able to stand with her as I received the same (recognition).”

A five-year letterwinner in softball, Gibb was part of four North Central Conference championship teams — including three straight outright. St. Edmond also reached the state tournament in each of the past three seasons.

For her efforts in 2025, Gibb was named a first team all-North Central Conference, all-district and all-state softball player in Class 1A by the Iowa Girls Coaches Assocation. Gibb hit .545 with 51 RBI and 34 stolen bases without committing an error in the outfield.

In the spring, Gibb ended a lengthy state tennis drought for the school when she reached the singles field. She would go on to place fourth overall, and the Gaels also won a third consecutive NCC dual and tournament title.

“Being a Gael athlete over the years has meant a lot to me,” Gibb said. “To be able to represent the school in a positive light is a feeling I will forever cherish.”

Having grown up around sports, Gibb would give her younger self some powerful advice if she had the opportunity.

“I would tell my freshman self to just go out for everything,” she said. “Try everything because you never know what you may be good at or enjoy most.”

Along with volleyball, tennis and softball, Gibb competed in basketball, track and cheer at St. Edmond.

“I think what I will miss most about being a Gael athlete is the close-knit relationships that we have with each other on the field or the court,” she said.

Gibb, who plans to major in biology on the pre-med track, joins her brother, Andrew, as winners of the top awards at St. Edmond. Andrew won the Terry Griffey Award in 2019.

The Donnelly Award is named after Carol Donnelly, who was the first girl physical education instructor at St. Edmond. It has been handed out every year since 1997.

Other finalists were Payton Bradley, Josie Harvey and Ansley Oswald.

TIMEOUT WITH LAUREN GIBB

Vacation destination: Australia.

People I would like to have dinner with:

Jesus, Helen Keller, George Washington.

It would surprise people that I: love to read.

My sports role model: my brother, Andrew.

Can’t go a day without: electrolytes.

Nickname: Gibby.

Superstition: same hairstyle for every game.

Main rival: anyone in the conference.

Favorite road trip: grandma’s lake house.

I’m currently listening to: country.

Favorites…

Team: Dallas Cowboys.

Athlete: Serena Williams.

Class: chemistry.

Movie: Twisters or The End of Obesity from South Park.

Book: The Housemaid.

Binge watch: Grey’s Anatomy.

Phone app: TikTok.

DONNELLY AWARD WINNERS

2025 Lauren Gibb, Mariah Myers

2024 Michaela Leiting

2023 Anna Kolacia

2022 Gracie Harvey

2021 Aubrey Bemrich

2020 Cambrie McBride

2019 Jacque Oberg

2018 Audrey Kolacia

2017 Megan Flattery

2016 Madi Reel

2015 Anna Yung

2014 Allison Huss

2013 Mary Eide

2012 Theresa Doyle

2011 Hillary Hotz

2010 Allison Nagel

2009 Liz Crimmins

2008 Jade Condon

2007 Rose Crimmins

2006 Dani Huss

2005 Amy Black

2004 Kelsey Clemens

2003 Abby Bianchi

2002 Kristin Shanks

2001 Beth Mann

2000 Julie Drzycimski

1999 Erin Kersten

1998 Jennifer Perkins

Theresa Yetmar

1997 Kelli Dressen