AURORA — The Colorado High School Coaches Association recently named Peighton Marrero of Strasburg High School as the 2025 female recipient of the Freddie Steinmark Award, Colorado’s most prestigious recognition for a student-athlete. This award honors a high school senior who exemplifies the qualities of legendary Colorado athlete Freddie Steinmark: excellence in athletics, academics, leadership, and community service.
When CHSCA officials reached Peighton with the news while she was enjoying a family trip to Mexico, her response was characteristically enthusiastic and humble: “Oh my goodness, this is so crazy! I am so honored!”
That humility is part of what makes Marrero such a deserving recipient. The award, named for Wheat Ridge High School’s Freddie Steinmark, a football, basketball, and baseball standout who later helped the University of Texas win the 1969 national football championship before losing his life to cancer at age 22 celebrates a rare caliber of young leader. Peighton is the first student from Strasburg High School ever to earn this honor.
Other finalists for the 2025 Steinmark Award were: Abigail Dille, Revere; Kamiree Fuller, Denver Christian; Ella Hagen, Summit; Addison McEvers, Evergreen; Brooklyn Stewart, Pine Creek; Saylor Swanson, Arvada West; and Lauryn Uyemura, Platte Valley.
A three-sport varsity athlete and standout scholar, Peighton’s resume is a portrait of all-around excellence. She shined on the volleyball court, earning multiple All-State and All-Conference honors, and finished her high school career with over 2,000 assists and 800 kills. On the basketball court, she was known for her defensive dominance, earning All-State recognition while racking up over 260 career steals. On the track, she was a two-time 3A 400-meter state champion, anchor leg of a two-time state champion medley relay, and a consistent four-event state placer. She capped off her senior year by reclaiming the 3A 400m title in 56.65 seconds and adding silver in the 300m hurdles.
Yet what separates Peighton from even the most gifted student-athletes is her unrelenting drive to lead and serve others.
“Peighton is not only one of the most athletically talented students in our school, but she continues to be the hardest-working and most humble,” said Coach Merci Ames. “She leads with humility, guided by empathy and strong principles. I’ve watched her mentor younger teammates, serve our school through multiple organizations, and give her time generously to community causes. She stands up for what is right even when it’s hard.”
Peighton has left her mark far beyond the field of play. Academically, she’s been a fixture on the Red Honor Roll and earned Academic All-State honors in both volleyball and basketball. She served as a Student Council class representative, led Strasburg’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter as President, and qualified for both state and national competitions in areas ranging from sports management to healthcare administration. She’s also a member of the National Honor Society and recognized as gifted and talented in both reading and psychomotor skills.
Her leadership doesn’t stop at school grounds. Peighton started the school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter in 2022 and has served as its president ever since. She’s volunteered for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, coached youth sports clinics, served meals at an assisted living center, and acted as a buddy to special needs athletes in an adaptive baseball league. She’s even helped launch a website for a local roofing business and worked each summer as a nanny for three young children.
Coach John Forster, who has worked closely with Peighton throughout her athletic career, emphasized her unique ability to connect: “Peighton brings energy, empathy, and encouragement to every team she’s a part of. Her teammates trust her because she is consistent, not just in her performance, but in her communication, her effort, and her values. Whether she’s setting the tone in volleyball, dictating the pace in basketball, or pushing herself in track, she raises the standard for everyone around her.”
Coach Larry Deffenbaugh added, “Anyone can talk about her incredible athletic ability, but it’s her belief in her team and her determination that make her truly elite. She’s dripping with confidence and always believes in the success of her team, not just herself.”
This year, Peighton also earned the 2025 John Mundell Award and scholarship given to a senior who has competed in three sports all four years of high school—and was named one of Colorado’s Top 7 Positive Athletes.
Next, she’ll take her drive and purpose to the United States Naval Academy, where she plans to continue her track career while preparing to serve her country.
“To me, the Steinmark Award is a symbol of purpose,” Peighton shared. “It represents resilience in the face of adversity, humility in success, and a deep love for one’s community. It embodies the values I’ve tried to uphold both on and off the field and the track: integrity, hard work, and a desire to lift up those around me.”
She continued, “Growing up in a small town, I’ve always known how important it is to be part of something bigger than yourself—one of the key reasons why I’ve committed to the Naval Academy. Whether in the classroom, with my team, or serving others in my community, I’ve found that true fulfillment comes from helping others succeed and standing strong in moments that test you.”
Peighton’s words echo the spirit of Freddie Steinmark- an athlete, student, and leader who chose to serve something greater than himself. In every way, Peighton Marrero embodies that legacy, and Colorado is proud to recognize her as the 2025 CHSCA Freddie Steinmark Award winner.
Peighton is the 53rd winner of the girls Steinmark Award since it was first presented to girls in 1974. The first girl to win the Steinmark Award was Anne Vento of Pueblo Centennial in 1974. There were two winners of the award in 1984. Dave Logan of Wheat Ridge High School, and now the extremely well-known sports announcer for the Denver Broncos and other sports endeavors, was the first boys’ winner of the award in 1972.
In 2024, Zoe Martin of Colorado Academy received the girls’ Steinmark and Cole Gaddis of Longmont was the recipient for the boys. The Colorado High School Coaches Association is proud to be the sponsor of the Freddie Steinmark Award and congratulates the athletes, and their coaches, who were nominated for this award.