Iowa Bankers Association Honors Five Student Athlete Achievers

Scholarships awarded to top high school seniors at Iowa Girls' State Basketball Tournament

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Iowa Bankers Association (IBA) recognized five outstanding Iowa high school senior student-athletes during the Iowa High School Girls' State Basketball Tournament championships. Each recipient received a $1,000 scholarship to the college of their choice, selected based on their academic performance, athletic participation, leadership skills, and community involvement.

Why it matters

The IBA's Student Athlete Achievement Award program has honored exceptional student-athletes in Iowa for three decades, awarding over $370,000 in scholarships. The awards highlight the state's top high school seniors who excel both on the court and in their communities, providing financial support to help them continue their education.

The details

One student from each of the five high school classes (1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A) received the 2026 IBA Student Athlete Achievement Award during the Iowa High School Girls' State Basketball Tournament championships on March 6-7 in Des Moines. The scholarship recipients were: Sacha Alesch of Bishop Garrigan High School (Class 1A), Karlyn Kovarna of Hinton Community School (Class 2A), Zoe Allen of Williamsburg Jr-Sr High School (Class 3A), Ella Smith of Carlisle High School (Class 4A), and Allison Hawkins of Ankeny High School (Class 5A).

  • The awards were presented during the Iowa High School Girls' State Basketball Tournament championships on March 6-7, 2026.
  • The IBA has sponsored the Student Athlete Achievement Award program for three decades.

The players

Iowa Bankers Association (IBA)

The trade association representing Iowa's banking industry, which has sponsored the Student Athlete Achievement Award program for three decades.

Adam Gregg

President and CEO of the Iowa Bankers Association.

Sacha Alesch

Winner of the Class 1A IBA Student Athlete Achievement Award, from Bishop Garrigan High School.

Karlyn Kovarna

Winner of the Class 2A IBA Student Athlete Achievement Award, from Hinton Community School.

Zoe Allen

Winner of the Class 3A IBA Student Athlete Achievement Award, from Williamsburg Jr-Sr High School.

Ella Smith

Winner of the Class 4A IBA Student Athlete Achievement Award, from Carlisle High School.

Allison Hawkins

Winner of the Class 5A IBA Student Athlete Achievement Award, from Ankeny High School.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Iowa Bankers Association (IBA) is proud to recognize remarkable high school seniors that are leaders on their teams, in the classroom and in their community.”

— Adam Gregg, President and CEO, Iowa Bankers Association (dmcityview.com)

“As longtime supporters of financial literacy, Iowa bankers are committed to helping Iowans reach their financial goals. We know that these scholarship recipients have a bright future, and we hope they will continue to contribute to Iowa communities following graduation.”

— Adam Gregg, President and CEO, Iowa Bankers Association (dmcityview.com)

What’s next

The IBA will continue to sponsor the Student Athlete Achievement Award program, honoring exceptional student-athletes in Iowa each year.

The takeaway

The IBA's long-running scholarship program recognizes well-rounded high school seniors who excel both academically and athletically, while also demonstrating leadership and community involvement. These awards help support Iowa's top student-athletes as they pursue their college education and continue to make positive impacts in their communities.