AMES, Iowa – August 21, 2025 – The Iowa Games are proud to announce Luke Daoust and Makenzie Klatt as the 2025 Marty McHone Iowa Games Male and Female Athletes of the Year. These outstanding athletes will be recognized at the Iowa Sports Foundation Recognition Reception in Des Moines on Wednesday, September 17.
Luke Daoust, 17, of Shenandoah, Iowa, has been playing tennis since the age of seven. Over the past two years, he has earned Iowa Games gold medals in both singles and doubles. Known for his dedication, sportsmanship, and drive to improve, Luke consistently seeks out top-level competition. This past summer, he competed in a higher age division and won four singles matches—three of them against high school players who had held the #1 spot on their teams just a month prior.
Luke’s advice to future Iowa Games athletes: “Don’t be afraid to try something new. Signing up for the Iowa Games is a great experience for all. Seeing great competition is the best way to push yourself and your mind to do better things.”
Makenzie Klatt, 14, from Boone, Iowa, has quickly emerged as a standout swimmer in the state. At the 2025 Summer Iowa Games, she earned eight medals—three gold, three silver, and two bronze. A competitor in the Iowa Games since 2021, Makenzie’s favorite memory is traveling to Dubuque for the Winter Iowa Games, where she qualified for the State Games of America while cheering on her teammates alongside her brother.
Described by nominators as “resilient and dedicated, with an impressive work ethic,” Makenzie leads by example—supporting not only her teammates, but even her competitors. Over the past five years, she has become one of the top swimmers in her youth conference, winning multiple events at both the conference and state levels, and consistently earning high point honors.
Makenzie shares this advice: “Don’t let your times define your experience. Every swim is a chance to enjoy the moment.”
Outside the pool, Makenzie is a well-rounded student-athlete. She excels academically and is involved in orchestra, basketball, softball, and track—demonstrating the same level of commitment and enthusiasm across all activities.
Established in 2003, the Marty McHone Athlete of the Year Award honors the legacy of McHone, who passed away from cancer in 2002. As part of their recognition, Luke and Makenzie will serve as official torchbearers at the 2026 Summer Iowa Games Opening Ceremony.
For more information about the Iowa Games, visit www.iowagames.org.
About the Author
