The NCHSAA is proud to announce the recipients of the FloSports Scholarships, recognizing outstanding student-athletes in Cross Country, Indoor Track, and Outdoor Track who have demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, and athletic achievement.
This year’s honorees are:
- Cross Country: Bella Strickland and Caleb Ward
- Indoor Track & Field: Lily Stough and Gunnar Douglass
- Outdoor: Bly Borders and Sofie Engell
The two recipients for the spring season will be announced later.
2025 FloSports Cross Country Scholarship
Bella Strickland
Bella Strickland is a senior at Neuse Charter School who has established herself as one of the most well-rounded and high-achieving student-athletes in her class through a combination of elite academic performance, consistent success in cross country and track, and a deep commitment to leadership and service.
In the classroom, she maintains a perfect 4.00 GPA while balancing a demanding schedule that includes dual enrollment coursework. She has earned recognition on the Johnston Community College President’s List and completed the AP Capstone program.
On the course and track, Bella has been a multi-year standout in cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track, earning All-Conference, All-Regional, and State Qualifier honors while consistently competing at a high level across multiple events. Her growth reflects her willingness to step outside her comfort zone, developing into a confident and driven competitor.
Beyond athletics, Bella has taken on significant leadership roles within her school community, serving as:
- President of the National Honor Society
- Founder and Editor-in-Chief of her school’s newsletter
- Student leader organizing major school events
She has contributed more than 600 volunteer hours through tutoring, food drives, Special Olympics, and community outreach programs, while leading initiatives such as blood drives and Backpack Buddies.
Bella plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to pursue a degree in journalism or English, with aspirations of using her voice to tell meaningful stories and make a difference.
Caleb Ward
Caleb Ward is a senior at Providence Grove High School in Randolph County who has distinguished himself through strong character, leadership, and commitment to academics and athletics.
He maintains a 3.903 GPA while participating in a rigorous academic program that will allow him to graduate with an associate’s degree in Agricultural Sciences.
As a multi-sport athlete, Caleb has been a consistent performer in cross country and tennis, earning All-Conference honors and serving as a team captain in both sports.
His leadership extends beyond athletics. He has served as:
- Co-President of the Fellowship of Christian Students
- Leader in Beta Club and FFA
- Contributor to his school’s agricultural program
He has competed at the national level in Farm Business Management.
Caleb has volunteered more than 700 hours through organizations such as Quaker Lake Camp, his church, and Operation Christmas Child. He also supports elderly community members and local initiatives.
He plans to attend North Carolina State University to study Agricultural Business Management, intending to earn an MBA and contribute to the agricultural industry.
2026 FloSports Indoor Track & Field Scholarship
Gunnar Douglass
Gunnar Douglass is a senior at West Forsyth High School and a key contributor to the Indoor Track & Field team.
His achievements include:
- Team captain
- All-Conference honors
- Individual state qualifier (junior and senior seasons)
He is also a four-year member of JROTC, where he has received multiple honors.
Gunnar is active in his community, participating in food drives and supporting the Titan Trainers program, where he helps new students acclimate to the school.
He will continue his running career at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro while pursuing a degree in business.
“His leadership style is rooted in accountability and leading by example,” said his nominating teacher. “He pushes himself when no one is watching and motivates others to reach their full potential.”
Lily Stough
Lily Stough is a senior at Watauga High School and a standout member and team captain of the Indoor Track & Field team.
Her accomplishments include:
- New Balance Nationals qualifier
- Nike Indoor Nationals qualifier
- 2025 Indoor Track All-American (NHSTFXCCA)
In addition to track, Lily has participated in swimming and tennis.
She is deeply involved in her community, contributing to:
- Hurricane relief efforts
- Hunger relief initiatives
- Youth track coaching
- Camp counseling
Lily credits track with giving her a second family of teammates and coaches who have supported her growth.
She plans to attend Brown University, where she will compete in Track & Field while studying global politics and media relations.
“Lily is not only a top-performing student academically, but also an accomplished athlete, dedicated volunteer, and deeply engaged community member,” said a nominating educator. “She represents the very best…”
2026 FloSports Outdoor Track & Field Scholarship
Bly Borders
Bly Borders of Shelby is a recipient of the 2025–26 FloSports Outdoor Track & Field Scholarship and has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, athletic versatility, and personal growth throughout high school.
Borders carried a perfect 4.0 unweighted cumulative GPA into their eighth and final semester while competing in outdoor track & field. A three-sport athlete, Borders has also participated in cross country and swimming & diving over the past three school years.
An Eagle Scout, Borders attended Governor’s School last summer with a focus on English and has a personal goal of reading 52 books each year.
“My admiration of fictional, altruistic characters has cultivated a real-world motivation to help people,” Borders said. “I’m fascinated by society and geography and approach them through the lens of history. I study maps and create my own, wishing I could travel within them.”
Beyond academics and athletics, Borders has been actively involved in Shelby’s theater program, contributing in both on-stage and technical roles.
Borders will attend Duke University in the fall.
Sofie Engell
Sofie Engell of Enloe is a recipient of the 2025–26 FloSports Outdoor Track & Field Scholarship and has combined academic excellence, athletic achievement, and a strong commitment to global service.
Engell also maintained a perfect 4.0 unweighted cumulative GPA entering her final semester while competing in outdoor track & field. She is a three-sport athlete, participating in cross country and indoor track & field over the past three years.
In addition to her academic and athletic pursuits, Engell is a skilled seamstress, with experience in quilt design and bridal dress alterations.
She has spent her high school summers volunteering in Namibia with the N/a’an ku sê Wildlife Sanctuary, where she worked to combat poaching and preserve natural habitats, particularly for orphaned animals.
“I want to be an engineer, but more importantly, an engineer who cares about the people and world around her,” Engell said. “So, as I continue to grow and follow my passions, I strive to keep the confidence trail running gives me – to try new things, take risks, speak out, and learn for the sake of learning; because that to me is perfection.”
Engell will attend Middlebury College in Vermont.
Borders and Engell will be honored at the NCHSAA annual celebration in Greensboro on June 10, where they will each receive $1,000 scholarships to support their higher education.
