Emiley Wells, a 10-year-old fifth grader at Buhler Grade School, has entered an Athlete of the Year contest and needs people to vote for her.
The contest is sponsored by Sports Illustrated, CBS sportscaster Russell Wilson (a former NFL quarterback) and the Why Not You Foundation.
Emiley has made it into the top 15 in 14th place, edging out 25 other contestants in her group.
The next deadline for people to vote to get Emily into 10th place and higher at https://athleteoftheyear.org/2026/emiley-838d is 10 p.m. Central time Thursday (6 p.m. Pacific time).
Emiley, the daughter of Jeff and Jennifer Wells, plays tackle football for the Crusader fifth grade team, soccer for the FC Crusaders Club and softball and basketball through the Hutchinson Recreation Commission.
According to Emiley’s Youth Athlete of the Year bio, “Emiley is a multi sport athlete that never backs down from a challenge. She stepped out of her comfort zone and is playing tackle football.”
Emiley could win an interview with Sports Illustrated and a cash prize that she would like to share with her grade school and sports teams, said her mother Jennifer.
“You decide who will be named Youth Athlete of the Year to take home $25,000 and represent 3Brand in Sports Illustrated and on CBS,” said Emiley’s page.
Emiley’s page features questions about Emiley:
What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?
“Emiley loves her teammates on her football team. Over the summer they have become a family and she loves having 12 new brothers to hang out with.”
Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?
“Emiley is inspired by her big brother Nathan. Nathan transitioned to football from soccer for his senior year and his hard work paid off. He will be the starting outside linebacker on the varsity squad and the field goal kicker. His love for football was infectious to Emiley and she wanted to be part of it.”
What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?
“My proudest moment for Emiley was her interception at football camp this summer. (There were) 120 kids at camp and she is the only girl. It’s not stopping her from making plays for her team when they need her most. She walks off the field each day with a huge smile on her face.”
