Jenni & Alli Award

The Jenni and Alli Award is one of the Brookdale Buccaneers’ most cherished traditions. It’s not only a tribute to the swimmers who embody our team’s values of spirit and camaraderie but also a remembrance of the two incredible women for whom the award is named.

It’s been many years since Jenni and Alli were part of the Buccaneers, and most of today’s team members, as well as many coaches and parents, might only know their names through stories. But Jenni and Alli were the kind of people who left an unforgettable mark. They were lifeguards, swimmers, and swim coaches at Brookdale Pool, always smiling, enjoying their time with the kids, and spreading joy wherever they went. Tragically, in October 1997, while traveling to Waubonsie Valley High School on homecoming day, Jenni, Alli, and their friend, Jennifer Roberts, were killed by a drunk driver.

The spirit of Jenni and Alli lives on through the Jenni & Alli Award, which is presented each year at the Brookdale Buccaneers Awards Celebration. This award is given to individual(s) who exemplify the same qualities Jenni and Alli demonstrated during their time with the team. They were always upbeat and cheerful, having fun with the kids, joking around, and cheering for everyone—no matter their place in the race. They went above and beyond to show their unwavering Buccaneers spirit.

Recipients of this award are selected by the Bucs coaches, chosen to carry forward the legacy of Jenni and Alli. The inscription on the award reads:

For following their example of having a positive attitude, spirit of friendship, service to others, outstanding sportsmanship, being a positive motivator, a loud cheerer, sporting a wonderful smile, and being an overall great Brookdale Buccaneer.

Jenni & Alli Award Winners

1998 Melissa Newhard, Heather Doeren
1999 Megan Decker
2000 Lauren Thomas, Rachel Thomas
2001 Jared Hall, Kevin Bennett
2002 Andy Bax
2003 Ashley Fisher, Amber Fijolek
2004 Caitlin Arquette, Emily Bax, Kelsey Lied
2005 Meghan Moore
2006 Monique Martin, Mellissa Brown
2007 Jordan Henderson, Katie Shanahan
2008 Greta Hopp
2009 Hillary Ferguson, Casey Collins
2010 Sarah Tjards, John Tjards
2011 Noah Elston, Jake Fleming
2012 Austin Martinson, Tayler McCann
2013 Connor Conley
2014 Emma Damhorst
2015 Kellie Willhite
2016 Abby Smedley
2017 Emily Steinkuller
2018 Will Sinzheimer
2019 Adriana Lathrop
2020
2021 Jack Damhorst
2022 Leah Wojciechowski
2023 Anthony Cotner