By Shane Sayegh, Cronkite PR Lab
TEMPE — Triumph, achievement, and perseverance. These three words are often associated with awards and accomplishments, and the Wings of Gold celebration embodies each word. The 2026 finalists for the prestigious Heather Farr Award embrace what it means to be a Sun Devil in and out of competition. Kenzie Brown (softball), Naomi Ruff (triathlon), and Pauline Nelles (soccer) are the three finalists.
Monday, April 20, marks the date of the 2026 Wings of Gold ceremony. The celebration is an annual event put on by the Sun Devil Club to recognize the stellar collegiate women student-athletes who proudly don the Arizona State uniform. The award recognizes their on-the-field and off-the-field contributions and how their efforts embody the spirit of being a Sun Devil. Anyone is welcome to attend as long as they register.
The Heather Farr Award is named in honor of the late Heather Farr, a Phoenix native, ASU alumnus, and former LPGA golfer. Her legacy lives on through the award, as it honors those who are passionate, determined, and dedicated in every aspect of their lives.
Every women’s sport nominates a student-athlete for the award. Here all of the nominees: Marley Washenitz (women’s basketball), Arden Besecker (beach volleyball), Beth Coulter (women’s golf), Kimberly Smith (gymnastics), Jordyn Behar (lacrosse), Pauline Nelles (soccer), Kenzie Brown (softball), Deniz Ertan (swim and dive), Emilija Tverjionaite (women’s tennis), Mia Chavez (track and field), Naomi Ruff (triathlon), Bailey Miller (volleyball) and Millie Quin (water polo).
The three finalists nominated for the Heather Farr Award in 2026 are profiled below.
Kenzie Brown’s journey to Arizona State was unique. Brown was raised in a town of 60 people and attended a combined high school of four nearby towns. Coming out of high school, she was overlooked as a pitcher, having to bet on herself at the University of Tulsa. After a challenging first year, ASU softball coach Megan Bartlett took a chance on Brown. Since that time, she has ascended to be the ace of the Sun Devils’ strong pitching staff, a spot she always knew she could achieve.
“It was such a blessing to get a chance taken on you. Coach Bartlett had a feeling, so she brought me here. It’s an awesome opportunity to play here,” Brown said.
Heather Farr's fiery competitiveness and passion are shared by Brown. To her, it’s a comparison that means the world to her.
“It’s surreal. Heather was known for the person she was and being looked at as someone similar to Heather is amazing,” Brown said.
Softball has been an integral part of Brown’s life and has taught her important qualities both in competition and in the journey of life.
“Softball has been a constant for me, no matter what I was going through. It has always taught me that you can always get better at something and to get back up when you fail,” Brown said.
Brown is an inspiration for those who come from a small town with big dreams and her story represents dedication and determination.
“If you’re from a small town, you can do anything you put your mind to,” Brown said.
Naomi Ruff is no stranger to the Wings of Gold ceremony. 2026 was her second-consecutive nomination and finalist selection.
“I was so thankful, and it’s a cool experience again to be named with the other great fellow athletes,” Ruff said.
Four years ago, uncertainty was high for the triathlete. What followed was a successful four-year career and a home for the future.
“Coming in as a freshman, I didn’t know what to expect. It was my first time in Arizona. There are so many great running trails; it’s a great training environment. Now, I intend on staying in Arizona,” Ruff said.
To Ruff, this nomination is beyond an honor, and she thanked her coach, Cliff English, for her continuous support and belief.
“Heather Farr was amazing, and being able to be a top finalist among the amazing women student-athletes is such an honor,” Ruff said. “Having my coach behind me and nominating me for the award means so much.”
Ruff is grateful to Arizona State for the opportunity to grow. To her, the university's support is unparalleled.
“Arizona State means a lot. It helped me grow as a person and as an athlete. The support they provide allows everyone to grow and become well-rounded athletes,” Ruff said.
Ruff’s 2025 season was incredibly successful. She had three top-five finishes, including a solo second-place finish at the Desert’s Edge Collegiate Cup.
As for the sport of triathlon, Ruff encourages future athletes to pursue their career, as the sky is truly the limit.
“I hope they see that anything is possible, there is so much opportunity. You can go really far,” Ruff said.
Coming from over 5,000 miles away, Pauline Nelles did not think she had packed enough before her initial arrival in Tempe.
“I remember a moment when I was packing a suitcase with my parents. Putting your whole life into a suitcase was not easy four years ago,” Nelles said. “I was struggling. I did not speak English.”
Like many, it was her first time leaving her home country of Germany, and she wanted to bring as much as she could. Four years and a culture shock later, Nelles has found a home away from home in Tempe.
“The transition was hard in the beginning, but I had a good community that helped me be the person I am today. I catch myself calling Tempe home to my friends when I am in Germany,” Nelles said.
Nelles grew into an essential part of the Sun Devil Soccer team. Goalkeeper is considered the hardest position in the game, and Nelles flourished in the role. In 19 games during the 2026 season, she averaged less than one goal allowed per game.
“I’ve been here for four years. It's the place where I grew a lot and have developed as a person and soccer player,” Nelles said.
Nelles shares a special connection to the award. She shares a deep friendship with the women’s golf team and Coach Missy Farr-Kaye, Heather Farr’s sister.
“This nomination means so much to me. I live with the golfers and know Missy well,” Nelles said. “It takes a village.”
As for her future after graduation, Nelles is set on pursuing the game she loves.
“I have played soccer since I was 4 years old. I would not be here without it, and I want to play after college,” Nelles said.
Off the pitch, Nelles wants to follow in her mother’s footsteps and pursue a career in education. Her major in elementary education creates a path to her ultimate goal of being a school principal.