The past two seasons for Highland student athlete Abby Stransky have been filled with unexpected challenges. However, she has found a way to rise above them and continue to contribute to Highland athletics on and off the field of competition. Stransky was recently awarded the E. Wayne Cooley “You Can Award” for the 2022-23 basketball season by the Iowa Girls Coaches Association. At the end of her junior season on the court, Stransky suffered a season ending ACL injury. After surgery and rehab to get prepared for her final basketball season for the Huskies, another knee injury last fall robbed her of that chance. Despite not being able to log minutes and stats on the court, Highland head coach Jody Fink spoke with KCII Sports about Stransky’s character and dedication to her teammates, the program, and school to find a way to contribute and why he nominated her for this prestigious award. “She’s been a solid pillar for our program. She’s been a great leader. Most kids that were in her situation may not go out, or go to practice. She was there at practice every day. Helping out the younger kids. Being there to be a voice. She’s very knowledgeable about the sport and everything that she does. If she ever wanted to get into coaching, she would be good at whatever she wanted to do. She’s more than just an athlete. She’s there for more than just the sport. She was there for her teammates, the team, the coaches and the school. For her it was bigger than the sport itself. With the “You Can” Award, she made a difference in a lot of people’s lives. I think that’s very important and why I nominated her. She is one of the best all-around athletes to ever come through the Highland School District. She has left a huge legacy, not only as an athlete, but as an individual.”

The E. Wayne Cooley “You Can” Award is named after the longtime Executive Secretary of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union and is given to those who illustrate the qualities of determination, character and the values of pursuing victory with honor.