Lone Tree Senior Nominated for Prestigious Iowa Girls' Basketball Award

Dalanie Graap recognized for leadership and positive influence on her team.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 5:05pm

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Dalanie Graap, a senior point guard for the Lone Tree High School girls' basketball team, has been nominated for the Iowa Girls Coaches Association's (IGCA) prestigious E. Wayne Cooley 'You Can Award.' The award honors athletes who demonstrate strong character and have a positive impact on their team.

Why it matters

The 'You Can Award' is one of the highest individual honors an Iowa high school girls' basketball player can receive, recognizing not just athletic talent but also leadership, sportsmanship, and positive influence on teammates. Graap's nomination highlights the values and character she has developed during her high school career.

The details

Graap was nominated for the award by her head coach, Ryan Shelman, who praised her growth into a team leader and noted that she embodies all the qualities the 'You Can Award' represents. The award is given in honor of E. Wayne Cooley, the longtime Executive Secretary of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union.

  • Dalanie Graap was nominated for the 'You Can Award' in March 2026.

The players

Dalanie Graap

A senior point guard for the Lone Tree High School girls' basketball team, Graap has been nominated for the prestigious 'You Can Award' by her head coach for demonstrating strong character and leadership.

Ryan Shelman

The head coach of the Lone Tree High School girls' basketball team, Shelman nominated Dalanie Graap for the 'You Can Award' in recognition of her growth as a team leader and embodiment of the award's values.

E. Wayne Cooley

The longtime Executive Secretary of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union, the 'You Can Award' is given in his honor to recognize high school girls' basketball players who exhibit strong character and positive influence.

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What they’re saying

“Dalanie Graap has grown into a team leader, and she embodies all aspects of the 'You Can Award.'”

— Ryan Shelman, Head Coach, Lone Tree High School Girls' Basketball

What’s next

The winner of the 'You Can Award' will be announced at the IGCA's annual awards ceremony in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Dalanie Graap's nomination for the prestigious 'You Can Award' highlights the importance of recognizing high school athletes who demonstrate strong character, leadership, and positive influence on their teams, not just athletic talent alone.