About the Pliable Athlete Awards

The annual awards recognize Pliable athletes from across the country who have experienced success in their sport, in their community and beyond.

Each year, the awards include recognition for the Female and Male Athlete of the Year, NIL partnerships, community endeavors and career opportunities. Each category includes Pliable athletes who were nominated by fans or the Pliable awards committee. The award nominees are then voted on by the public. For reference, last year's winners are listed below.

 The 2024 Pliable Awards have been announced below. Congrats to all the winners and the nominees on their accomplishements!

Female Athlete of the Year: Maddie Niles

This female athlete has demonstrated a combination of success in their sport, their community, and beyond, including NIL partnerships and career opportunities.  Maddie has several NIL partnerships and raised thousands of dollars for several charities in 2024, she also set the career record for goals at Lawrence High School (109) and goals in a game (7). She stood up for her field hockey team when their field was unplayable and led the #MissionE50 team at the Travis Mills Plane Pull. She also won the 2024 EMPOWER Award, presented to a who motivates others to make positive changes. 

 Advocate of the Year:  Noah Carpenter

This Pliable athletes went above and beyond to raise awareness and funds for a cause or organization. Noah Carpenter from West All-Star team in the 2024 Maine Shine Lobster Bowl Classic, raised $5,501 for the Shriners Children’s Hospital and hosted a local food drive and donated to the Greene Youth Athletic Association. 

Performance of the Year: Noah Carpenter, Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic

This Pliable athlete had an outstanding performance in a season or individual game.  Noah Carpenter had five touchdowns and was the MVP of the Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic. 

#MISSIONE50 Ambassador of the Year: Maddie Niles

This Pliable athlete has demonstrated outstanding effort to increase the popularity of women's sports. Maddie Niles, was captain of the #MISSIONE50 team at the Travis Mills Plane Pull and helped her teammates register for the event. The team raised more than $2,600 for the Travis Mills Foundation. 

Career Move of the Year: Caleb Manuel Turns Pro

A Pliable athlete who made a big career move or accomplishment that will help in the future of their career.  Caleb Manuel turns professional, earns several top 10 finishes, then qualifies for Stage 2 of Q School. 

NIL Athlete of the Year:  Maddie Niles

This Pliable athlete has pursued name, image and likeness partnerships to create new relationships and future opportunities in their career. Based on the large number of Pliable athletes who have NIL partnerships, the quality of content, production and publicity is also part of the criteria. Maddie Niles has 5+ NIL partnerships, including, SEAAV, Ignite Bars, Aroma Joe's and Hilltop Boilers.

Most Creative NIL Partnership: Katie Shanahan

The Pliable athlete has partnered with a company, brand or organization that aligns well with their athlete brand and personality.  Katie Shanahan built a relationship with Mckenna Haz, founder of SEAAV, to promote the brand including a pop-up event at Quinnipiac University. 

Male Athlete of the Year: Noah Carpenter

This male athlete has demonstrated a combination of success in their sport, in their community, and beyond, including NIL partnerships and career opportunities.  Noah Carpenter committed to the University of Maine to play football and baseball. Earlier this year, Carpenter, threw a no-hitter against Poland High School. He also won the 2024 Class B State Football Championship for Leavitt. He also raised more than $5,500 for the Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic. He led the West to victory with 5 touchdowns and was named the MVP. He also has started to secure NIL partnerships and has donated to several local Maine charities. 

Unsung Hero Award: Kelsey Glynn

This Pliable athlete has been less visible publicly, but has made a significant impression on others, which has contributed to the value of what it means to be a Pliable athlete. Kelsey Glynn co-authored "The Magic Cleats" children's book to inspire the next generation of athletes and promote #MISSIONE50. 

Pliable Parent of the Year: Heather Carpenter

This parent of a Pliable athlete has demonstrated outstanding effort to support their Pliable athlete, as well as promote Pliable to future athletes and families. A team player who has made several referrals and expanded Pliable's network through an extra level of effort on collaborative projects to benefit all Pliable athletes.  Heather Carpenter responsible for two Pliable new Pliable athletes in 2024, hosted video shoot on her deck, and is always eager to help Pliable in any way. 

Media Result of the Year: Maddie Niles

Media coverage that aligned well with the Pliable athlete's accomplishments and personal brand.  Maddie Niles speaks up and talks to the Maine media about the poor field conditions at Lawrence High School.

Connection of the Year: Noah Carpenter and Jace Negley

An introduction by Pliable for an athlete to begin networking with a person or organization that aligned well with the Pliable athlete's future career goals.  Noah Carpenter and Jace Negley helped Pliable connect with the board for the Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic. Pliable is now the official marketing and public relations firm for the 2025 Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic.

Photo of the Year: "Connections Up North"

A photo taken at an event hosted or attended by Pliable and shows the athlete's passion for their sport and visually represents what it means to be a Pliable athlete. The photo below is titled "Connections up North" and features Pliable athletes Noah Carpenter and Jace Negley who met fellow Pliable athlete Jazmin Johnson as part of an autograph session in Bangor, Maine. Noah Carpenter are are the University of Maine and Jazmin Johnson is a two-sport athlete at nearby Husson University in Bangor.

To learn more about each Pliable athlete, click here or visit @PliableMktg on Instagram.