At Play Like a Girl Honors, we celebrate the extraordinary young women who are pushing boundaries, breaking barriers, and leading the charge for future generations. This year’s standout moment came when Peyton Rodgers was named Play Like a Girl Alumna of the Year. Surrounded by friends, mentors, and the community that has supported her growth, Peyton was surprised with the 2025 Honors award and a scholarship check presented by none other than the 2024 recipient, Emma Grace Clonan.

Peyton’s journey with Play Like a Girl is a shining example of what happens when a girl is given the space, support, and tools to embrace her leadership potential. It’s a story of evolution—from a young, uncertain participant into a confident, powerful leader who is actively shaping the world around her. In this blog article, we celebrate Peyton’s remarkable achievements and reflect on the impact she’s made not only within Play Like a Girl but also in the broader worlds of STEM and sports. Her path exemplifies the power of mentorship, the importance of community, and the transformative effects of a girl who knows her worth.

From Uncertainty to Unstoppable Leadership

Peyton’s story with Play Like a Girl began just like many others: uncertain, unsure of what the future would hold, but with an unshakable desire to be more. “The most impactful part of my Play Like a Girl journey has been watching my peers and me flourish,” she says, reflecting on her experience. Over time, she went from a participant learning about the possibilities in STEM and sports to someone who now steps up to lead, inspire, and empower others.

“I’ve had the opportunity to see my peers evolve from uncertain participants to confident leaders just as I have,” Peyton shared. It’s this transformation that has defined her journey—first, as a young girl eager to explore new opportunities, and later, as a role model guiding other young women to do the same.

But Peyton’s evolution didn’t stop with her own growth. Through Play Like a Girl, she witnessed firsthand how the confidence-building environment could elevate an entire community. She saw herself and others move from a place of doubt to a place of empowerment. And as she began to grow in knowledge—both in STEM and as an athlete—she learned that leadership isn’t just about succeeding on your own; it’s about bringing others along with you. “Play Like a Girl has allowed me to grow not only in knowledge regarding STEM careers but become more confident in myself as a girl student-athlete,” she said, underscoring the profound impact Play Like a Girl had on her self-belief.

A Passion for STEM and Breaking New Ground

What makes Peyton stand out as a leader is her ability to connect the dots between STEM, sports, and leadership. But it wasn’t until she joined initiatives like the Million Girls Moonshot Flight Crew that her passion for STEM truly ignited. Through these experiences, Peyton was able to engage directly with women who are leading the charge in a variety of industries—from technology and engineering to environmental science and beyond.

Her involvement with the Flight Crew helped her develop a deep understanding of how STEM is shaping the workforce and why it’s essential for girls to be exposed to these fields at an early age. “These initiatives have given me a direct view of how important STEM is in today’s changing workforce,” she explained. “And how necessary it is for all girls to be exposed to STEM learning very early.” For Peyton, this exposure was a turning point—sparking not only a passion for science and innovation but also a belief in the need for leadership at every stage of a girl’s life.

Peyton’s commitment to leadership in both sports and STEM is driven by a deep belief that girls who are empowered early will change the trajectory of their lives. She knows that the exposure she has had to these fields will set her—and others—on a path to success. “Girls exposed to STEM and leadership at an early age will change the dynamics of their future outcome,” she says with conviction. This mindset is central to the work Peyton does and her belief that she belongs, no matter the challenge in front of her.

Overcoming the Odds: Tackling Gender Stereotypes and Sports Access

Like many young women, Peyton has faced her fair share of obstacles. One of the most significant challenges she has encountered is gender stereotypes in sports. As a volleyball player, she found herself constantly fighting the outdated notion that sports are “for boys” and “not for girls.” But rather than letting these stereotypes define her, Peyton sought out a supportive community of girls who shared her passion for sports and leadership.

“When it comes to sports, I’ve faced gender stereotypes,” she shared candidly. “I’ve overcome these challenges by finding a community of girls who have the same passions as me.” It’s in these communities where Peyton thrives—surrounded by women who challenge these stereotypes and support one another’s dreams.

Another barrier that Peyton has faced is the lack of cost-effective options for girls interested in volleyball. While the sport has grown in popularity, Peyton recognizes that there is still a lack of accessible training and role models for young girls who want to excel. This is a problem she’s determined to address, not only for herself but for future generations of young athletes. Her journey underscores the need for more accessible resources for young women in sports—resources that allow them to pursue their dreams without financial or systemic barriers holding them back.

Through every challenge, Peyton has grown stronger, more resilient, and more determined to break down barriers for herself and others. She’s proof that when you surround yourself with the right people and stay committed to your goals, nothing is impossible.

Mentorship: The Guiding Light in Peyton’s Journey

While Peyton’s mother has always been a guiding figure in her life, it’s her aunt, Crystal, who has had the most profound impact on her personal growth. Peyton admires her aunt’s determination, resilience, and unwavering kindness, qualities that have shaped Peyton into the woman she is today.

“My aunt, Crystal, has inspired me most,” Peyton explained. “She’s not a world-renowned doctor or expert. However, she is a good person who strives to help others, and her commitment to our family is truly motivating.”

Crystal’s support has been a constant in Peyton’s life, providing the encouragement and direction she needed to overcome obstacles and achieve her goals. Her aunt’s commitment to hard work and generosity is something Peyton has carried with her throughout her journey, and she often reflects on how these lessons have shaped her leadership style.

“I have a great admiration for her resilience, insight, and kindness,” Peyton said. “She has provided me with direction throughout my life and has consistently been supportive of my family and me. She has encouraged me to work hard, and I will succeed.”

It’s this kind of mentorship that has helped Peyton cultivate her leadership skills and her belief that she can achieve anything. And now, Peyton is committed to giving back in the same way—mentoring other girls and helping them find their voice, just as Crystal did for her.

Advice for the Next Generation of Leaders

For Peyton, the most important lesson she’s learned along the way is the importance of taking risks and stepping into leadership roles. “I encourage young girls aspiring to take on leadership positions in STEM or sports to seize every opportunity, learn from it, and then take the lead,” she advises. “Your insights and experiences are valuable and can create a lasting impact on the world.”

Her advice is simple but profound: don’t wait for the perfect moment to step up. Seize the opportunities you’re given, trust in your abilities, and lead with confidence. Peyton knows that the journey to leadership is not always linear, but it’s the courage to take the first step that makes all the difference.

A Moment of Recognition: Peyton Rodgers is Honored

The culmination of Peyton’s remarkable achievements came at Play Like a Girl Honors, where she was surprised with the coveted Alumna of the Year award. Her recognition was made even more special by the presentation of a $2,500 book scholarship. The room erupted in applause as Peyton took the stage—her face a mixture of surprise and gratitude.

Custom handmade Maple wood awards presented to our 2025 honorees

This recognition wasn’t just for Peyton’s accomplishments; it was a celebration of her unwavering commitment to leadership and empowering the next generation of women leaders in STEM. It was a moment of reflection for Peyton as she acknowledged the support of her mentors, community, and Play Like a Girl in helping her get to where she is today.

As Peyton accepted the award, it was clear that this was just the beginning of a long journey of impact. “It’s an honor to be recognized, but this is not just about me,” Peyton shared humbly. “This is for all the girls who need to see themselves reflected in leadership roles and know that they belong.”

Looking Ahead: The Future is Bright

Peyton’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and passion. She is an inspiration to all of us who strive to create spaces for young women to lead, thrive, and break barriers. As we look to the future, we know that Peyton will continue to be a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change in the worlds of STEM and sports.

Play Like a Girl is proud to celebrate Peyton as our Alumna of the Year, and we are excited to see where her journey will take her next. For young girls everywhere, Peyton’s story is a reminder that they, too, can lead, innovate, and make their voices heard in any field they choose.

Want to see highlights from Play Like a Girl Honors 2025? Check out our Facebook album for the full photo gallery. Stay tuned for next week’s blog installment, spotlighting our Social Impact Award recipient, U.S. Bank.