The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA), in partnership with Farm Bureau Insurance, has named Grace McDowell and Ryan Goodrich among nine student-athletes from Class B schools to receive the MHSAA/Farm Bureau Insurance Scholar-Athlete Award. Now in its 36th year, the award recognizes 32 Michigan student-athletes who balance academics, athletics, leadership, and community involvement. To qualify, applicants must have at least a 3.5 GPA, earn a varsity letter in an MHSAA postseason sport, and write an essay on sportsmanship.
For Grace McDowell, sports have never just been about competing—they’ve been a way to lead and give back. A three-sport athlete at Whitehall, she’s played varsity golf, basketball, and tennis, serving as team captain in both golf and tennis while earning all-state and academic all-state honors. Off the court, she’s been student council president for four years, part of the Michigan Department of Education Student Advisory Council, and a National Honor Society member. She also gives back through No More Sidelines, First Tee, and refereeing youth basketball.
“My love for the game and internal drive have enabled me to embrace my competitive spirit,” she wrote in her essay. “Real victories come not from the score but from the character we build as we compete.”
McDowell hasn’t decided where she’ll attend college yet, but she plans to study pre-med.
For Goodrich, sports have been a lesson in leadership, resilience, and handling both success and setbacks. A four-year varsity football player, he also wrestled and played baseball for three seasons, reaching the MHSAA Finals twice in wrestling and earning all-conference and academic all-state honors in both wrestling and baseball. An injury sidelined him this year, but his impact hasn’t faded. He’s the National Honor Society president, Business Professionals of America (BPA) president, and has competed at BPA state and national finals. He also mentors younger students through Link Crew, Hope Squad, and serves on the First Priority student board.
“Fixating on wins can make the fall from the top unbearable, and being consumed by losses turns small victories into meaningless moments,” he wrote in his essay. “Sportsmanship is reflected in how we handle both triumph and failure.”
Goodrich is headed to the University of Pennsylvania, where he’ll study philosophy, politics, and economics.
McDowell and Goodrich have done it all—competing at the highest level, leading their peers, and excelling in the classroom. This award is just another well-earned recognition of their hard work, and wherever they go next, they’ll keep making an impact.
Interested in more content from us? Check out our website catchmarksports.com, our Facebook page, or our YouTube page!
