• Carson Now on Facebook
  • Follow Carson Now on Twitter
  • Follow Carson Now by RSS
  • Follow Carson Now by Email

Carson City teen kayak phenom wins prestigious Female Paddler of the Year award

Despite being nearly half the size and half the age of many of the women who are her inspiration and mentors, 14-year-old Sage Donnelly of Carson City has gone big time, winning this year’s prestigious Female Paddler of the Year Award, presented by Canoe and Kayak magazine.

Clearly surprised and humbled to win the recognition, Donnelly gave a classy speech thanking those who voted for her, her sponsors, her parents and the women who helped and those still paving the way for women’s kayaking. The awards ceremony was held in Salt Lake City during the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, the outdoor industry’s premier trade show.

For half her life, Donnelly has been a fixture on the competitive kayaking circuit. Her evident drive, sunny disposition and dedications to kayaking was recognized by Whitewater Hall of Famer Eric “EJ” Jackson, who first named the child paddling prodigy to Team Jackson Kayak when the tiny blond was just 7 years old.

Undeterred by Type 1 diabetes, celiac and thyroid disease, Donnelly’s dedication to her sport is impressive for any age kayaker without such potentially life altering conditions. The poised teen has already tallied an impressive competition record in both age group and open pro events.

In junior divisions, Donnelly holds national championship titles in Under 14 slalom K-1 and C-1 as well as her favorite event, freestyle. As a precocious 12-year-old she began testing her mettle against women pros with what to an uninitiated eye could be surprising results. Those who know her aren’t surprised that Donnelly was the 2012 USA Canoe Kayak Freestyle Point Series Champion and won the women’s freestyle events at two of the toughest competitions on the circuit: Reno River Festival and GoPro Mountain Games.

Donnelly followed up last year’s amazing competitive season with results that point toward a bright and promising career. At the GoPro Mountain Games she earned a Silver medal in her first-ever attempt at the Steep Creek race, second only to 24-year-old steep creek specialist Martina Wegman. Keeping the pressure on her “senior” counterparts, Donnelly also earned a bronze medal in freestyle behind reigning World Champion Claire O’Hara and European Championships titleholder Marlene Devillez.

Donnelly’s ultimate goal is to compete in the Olympics. She’s been training with an eye toward the whitewater slalom course in Brazil in 2016 and is hoping freestyle becomes an Olympic discipline so she can compete in both slalom and freestyle in Japan in 2020.

To follow Donnelly’s budding kayak career, visit her blog at the Jackson Kayak website.

Top Stories

... or see all stories

Nevada's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.1 percent in March 2024, which decreased by 0.1 percent from February 2024, according to the state's Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation’s March 2024 economic report.

Carson High Debate continues its groundbreaking season. Competing at state for the first time since Covid the team advanced to final events in 4 separate events.

Clear Creek Bowmen Cancer Shoot is this Sunday April 28 at the Carson City Archery Range.

Carson Medical Group broke ground on their new 31,000 square foot facility off old Hot Springs Road in October 2022 and this June it will officially open its doors to patients.

The facility, located at 1946 Old Hot Springs Road, will house the primary care physicians, their Ear/Nose/Throat practice, as well as the CMG+ walk-in clinic.

The Division of Child and Family Services, Nevada’s Department of Health and Human Services, invites the community to participate in the 2nd annual “Walk Us Home” 5K for Foster Homes on Saturday, April 27, 2024 in Carson City.

The Nevada Artists Association is excited to announce two Featured Artist Shows beginning Saturday, May 4 by Carson City artists, Cynthia Brenneman and Bruce Nelson.

Dive into an ocean of adventure with Wild Horse Children's Theater as we embark on a journey under the sea in the upcoming production of Disney's "Finding Nemo, Jr." at the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall in Carson City. This spectacular musical adaptation of the beloved Pixar movie promises to be a wave of fun, friendships, and heartwarming moments that the entire family will enjoy!

UPDATE 12:42PM: Southbound I-580 in Carson City was opened as of around 11 a.m., said a Nevada State Police spokeswoman, who provided more details of the fatal crash that happened early Wednesday morning.

Both the driver of a car and a truck involved in the crash died. Their names have not been released pending notification of family members. The car, which was going the wrong way — northbound in the southbound lane — struck the truck and caught on fire, according to a NSP preliminary investigation thus far. The vehicle makes are unknown at this time.

Dayton Elementary School in Lyon County was honored Wednesday along 13 other schools including Carson High in Carson City as a Nevada Purple Star School.

Schools receiving the designation have committed to supporting the educational and social-emotional needs of military-connected children and their families.

Junior Park Ranger Day is back this Saturday, April 27 at Riverview Park in Carson City.

Junior Park Ranger Day is an annual event dedicated to help kids complete their Junior Ranger Adventure Guides and be sworn in all in one day.

Carson City School District hosted a ceremony Wednesday morning with local dignitaries from the Nevada Department of Education and officers from local military bases. Carson High School was honored with a Nevada Purple Star School designation for supporting military-connected students and their families.

A 37-year-old man was arrested for suspicion of obstruction, trespassing and felony sex offender failing to register, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Office booking report.

Laura Ricks, TOSA/Instructional Coach at Empire Elementary School, was honored as the Carson City School District’s Educator of the Year, at the Tuesday, April 23, school board meeting and annual event.

Additionally, Sandra Guzzetta, special education paraprofessional at Bordewich Bray Elementary School, was recognized as the Education Support Professional Employee of the Year, and Chelise Crookshanks, principal at Mark Twain Elementary School, was recognized as the district’s Administrator of the Year.

5th St View

Photos capturing the beautiful views in Carson City on Tuesday afternoon at 5th and Roop Street.

Tickets are now available for this summer’s Capital City Brewfest. This year’s event takes place June 22 on Curry Street at McFadden Plaza in Carson City. More than two dozen brewers, as well as several food trucks, will line the street from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Plus there will be live music on the McFadden Plaza stage.

The Carson City Planning Commission meeting will be held Wednesday, April 24 in the Bob Crowell Board Room of the Carson City Community Center located at 851 E. William St. at 5 p.m.

The agenda includes trail improvements, a therapeutic horse riding academy, a care facility and more.

Western Nevada College’s Veterans Resource Center and Wildcat Veterans Club invite the community to participate in a Walk for Hope on Wednesday, May 1, at 9 a.m.

It's an opportunity to bring awareness to the national and local issue of suicide and identify local resources and learning opportunities for prevention. Veterans and military personnel experience death by suicide at a rate that is about 1.5 times higher than civilian populations.

Looking for a place to take your little ones this week? Look no further! Here is a list of family-friendly (and fun!) activities and events happening this week around the capital city.

Carson City Parks, Recreation and Open Space is looking for volunteers to help us clean up trash and other debris at the Carson Ridge Disc Golf Course on Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to noon. Register today using the link here to spend a sunny day volunteering with your community.

Parent night series hosted by Carson City Juvenile Services will examine school absenteeism and attendance this Thursday, April 25. Parents, families and students are encouraged to attend.

At noon Friday April 26 on Paul Esswein’s radio program "A Masterclass for Master Plans" on KNVC 95.1 FM Carson City Community Radio, Carson High School AP students Bebe Keil and Tanner McCune will be his guests.

Prepare for a phenomenal adventure as the Twain Train VIP Excursion makes its triumphant return to the second annual Mark Twain Days Festival. Departing from the Eastgate Depot in Carson City on Friday, May 10 at 2:30 p.m., passengers will embark on a remarkable 24-mile round trip ride to Virginia City where they can experience various Mark Twain events.

Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team members, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District and the USDA Forest Service, may burn piles this week at Lake Tahoe if conditions and weather are favorable. Smoke will be present.

The Nevada Department of Transportation will host a virtual meeting and in-person public meetings to gather public feedback on proposed options for improving US-395 between southern Carson City and the Nevada-California border at Topaz Lake.

ALAMO, Nev. — The Nevada Department of Wildlife is seeking the public’s help in identifying two individuals responsible for illegally releasing approximately 25 turkeys onto the Key Pittman Wildlife Management Area on April 9, 2024.

flyer for event all info included in body of post

BAYA is taking over the MAC in Carson City for an all out volleyball battle royal. With 4 courts in action, all skill levels are welcome and matched with players at the same level.

A 43-year-old man was arrested Friday for suspicion indecent exposure, a gross misdemeanor offense, and felony Department of Alternative Sentencing violation, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Office booking report.

It’s spawning day at the Lahontan National Fish Hatchery Complex, and volunteers clad in rubber boots and jackets move quickly around the south Gardnerville building, fishing nets in hand.

Important Qualities in Elected Officials

Attend the April 27th workshop at 9am – Qualities of an Effective Elected Official.

There are still a few spaces left for the "Victorian Secrets With Tea" on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. The deadline for signing up has been extended to Thursday, April 25. The Carson City Historical Society (CCHC) presents this afternoon tea in the Carriage House behind the Foreman-Roberts Historic House at 1207 Carson Street, Carson City.