In a powerful celebration of compassion, leadership, and service, Nebraska Cornhusker Softball Head Coach Rhonda Revelle has been named 2025 College Softball’s Philanthropy Icon, marking a career-defining moment that transcends wins and championships. Known for her fierce competitiveness on the diamond, Revelle is now being honored for something even greater—her unwavering dedication to humanity.
The award, presented at the annual National College Softball Humanitarian Summit, recognizes Revelle’s extraordinary philanthropic work through the Rhonda Revelle Family Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to empowering underprivileged youth, supporting mental health initiatives, and uplifting communities across Nebraska and beyond. The foundation, founded in 2017, has grown into a beacon of hope for countless families and individuals, creating transformative opportunities through scholarships, mentorship programs, food security initiatives, and wellness resources.
“Rhonda Revelle has long been a leader in the sport of softball,” said NCAA spokesperson Andrea Mitchell during the award ceremony. “But what makes her truly iconic is how she’s used her platform, influence, and heart to change lives far beyond the field. Her efforts through her foundation exemplify the highest ideals of college athletics.”
Revelle’s philanthropic mission has reached thousands of Nebraskans, including:
Launching the “Pitching for Purpose” Program, which offers athletic scholarships and leadership development for high school girls in rural communities.
Providing annual mental health grants to student-athletes in honor of former players and peers who struggled with depression and anxiety.
Partnering with local shelters and food banks to deliver thousands of meals to families in need, especially during holiday seasons and times of crisis.
Establishing a free community clinic offering sports physicals, mental wellness checkups, and nutrition counseling for underserved youth.
Coach Revelle, visibly moved during her acceptance speech, dedicated the honor to “every young woman who has worn the Nebraska jersey with pride and purpose” and emphasized that her mission has always been about “using sport as a bridge—to connect, to uplift, and to heal.”
“This isn’t about me,” Revelle said. “It’s about a community that believes in wrapping its arms around those who need it most. I’ve just been lucky enough to be a vessel for that love.”
The Nebraska softball community, including current and former players, rallied around their beloved coach, flooding social media with tributes. Star pitcher Kaitlyn Morrison tweeted, “Coach Revelle taught me how to believe in myself—but more importantly, she taught me to believe in others.”
With a legacy already cemented in collegiate sports, Rhonda Revelle’s impact now stretches far beyond athletic accolades. Her recognition as the 2025 Philanthropy Icon serves not only as a tribute to her remarkable generosity but also as an inspiration to the entire college athletics community.
As Revelle herself put it best: “Greatness isn’t just measured by wins. It’s measured by the lives you touch and the love you leave behind.”
