AMES, Iowa – The Iowa Sports Foundation and Iowa Games are proud to announce Dylan Herman of Waverly and Susan Kruse Acoymo of Ankeny as the 2026 Marty McHone Iowa Games Male and Female Athletes of the Year.
The annual award recognizes Iowa Games athletes who demonstrate outstanding athletic achievement, sportsmanship, dedication and commitment to the values of the Iowa Games. Herman was selected as the Male Athlete of the Year for his accomplishments in trapshooting, while Acoymo earned Female Athlete of the Year honors for her more than three decades of participation and dedication to racquetball.
Dylan Herman – Male Athlete of the Year
At just 17 years old, Herman has already built an impressive Iowa Games career.
The Waverly native first became involved in trapshooting at age 10 when he joined a small local club with friends. What began as a new activity quickly developed into an important part of his life and has led to seven years of Iowa Games competition.
Throughout his Iowa Games career, Herman has earned 15 medals, including eight gold, four silver and two bronze. For Herman, however, the Iowa Games experience extends well beyond medals and results.
“The Iowa Games are another stage to compete against athletes across Iowa and to meet new people,” Herman said.
One of Herman’s favorite Iowa Games memories came during the 2022 Winter Iowa Games when he had the opportunity to compete alongside his dad. The two each earned medals in all three trapshooting events—Singles, Handicap and Doubles—making the competition especially memorable.
Now a veteran Iowa Games athlete, Herman encourages others to take advantage of the opportunity to compete and enjoy everything the experience has to offer.
“Just go, have fun, enjoy the experience and meet new people,” Herman said.
Herman’s achievements, dedication and sportsmanship exemplify the values celebrated through the Iowa Games and make him a deserving recipient of the 2026 Marty McHone Iowa Games Male Athlete of the Year award.
Susan Kruse Acoymo – Female Athlete of the Year
For more than 35 years, Acoymo has been a familiar face within the Iowa Games racquetball community as both an athlete and volunteer.
The 68-year-old Ankeny resident began playing racquetball shortly after graduating from college during the height of the racquetball club era. After joining West Courts in West Des Moines, Acoymo won the first match she ever played, beginning a lifelong passion for the sport.
Since racquetball was added to the Iowa Games in 1990, Acoymo has competed or volunteered at every year the sport has be offered. During that time, she has earned more than 50 Iowa Games medals in singles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles competition.
While winning motivated Acoymo during her early years of competition, the relationships and sense of community surrounding the Iowa Games have become increasingly meaningful over time.
“In the early years, it was all about winning. But over time, my focus shifted to camaraderie, relationships and sportsmanship,” Acoymo said. “It is an absolute delight to see the same familiar faces year after year, and I love seeing racquetball stand alongside such a diverse community of sports.”
Today, Acoymo finds some of her greatest joy in sharing her passion for racquetball with the next generation, helping junior players learn the game, experience competition and develop new friendships.
“To me, the Iowa Games represent the ultimate celebration of community and sportsmanship,” she said.
After more than three decades of involvement, Acoymo encourages athletes of all ages to value the journey as much as the result.
“It is about the challenge and the process, not necessarily the outcome,” Acoymo said. “Developing relationships, building character, and learning lessons in perseverance and resilience may be more beneficial in life than winning a gold medal.”
Acoymo’s longevity, volunteerism, sportsmanship and commitment to racquetball embody the spirit of the Iowa Games and make her a deserving recipient of the 2026 Marty McHone Iowa Games Female Athlete of the Year award.
About the Marty McHone Iowa Games Athlete of the Year Award
The Marty McHone Iowa Games Athlete of the Year Award recognizes outstanding Iowa Games athletes for their athletic accomplishments, sportsmanship and dedication to the Iowa Games. The award honors the legacy of Marty McHone and celebrates athletes who embody the values of competition, character and lifelong participation promoted by the Iowa Games.
About the Iowa Games
The Iowa Games, a program of the Iowa Sports Foundation, provides sports and recreation opportunities for Iowans of all ages and abilities. Through Olympic-style competition and a diverse offering of sports, the Iowa Games encourages healthy lifestyles, sportsmanship and lifelong participation in athletics.