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Ignite the Flame

College of Saint Mary Flames Athletics Fundraising Luncheon

Thursday, April 16, 2026
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Doors open at 11 a.m.
Program and lunch begin at 11:30 a.m.
Lied Fitness Center Fieldhouse – CSM Campus, 7000 Mercy Rd.

Celebrate excellence and leadership in women's athletics at Ignite the Flame at College of Saint Mary (CSM).

In its fourth year, the fundraiser supports women’s athletics, showcases the achievements of CSM’s Flames athletes and honors a trailblazer in women’s sports. 

CSM will present this year’s Ignite the Flame Community Impact award to John Cook for his dedication to empowering girls and women in athletics. 

John Cook, keynote speaker and Community Impact Award recipient

We are excited to welcome John Cook, Co-Owner and General Manager of the Omaha Supernovas and former head volleyball coach at the University of Nebraska, as our keynote speaker and Ignite the Flame Community Impact Award honoree. His career highlights include:

  • Four NCAA national championships
  • Three National Coach of the Year awards
  • Record-breaking attendance, including the largest women’s sporting event in history
  • A lasting influence on women’s athletics nationwide

 

Ana Bellinghausen, emcee

We’re proud to welcome Ana Bellinghausen—one of Nebraska’s rising stars in sports media—as the Emcee of Ignite the Flame. As the Digital Director at Hurrdat Sports, Bellinghausen helped build one of the state’s fastest‑growing sports platforms, reaching more than 165,000 followers across digital channels.

A trailblazer in her field, Bellinghausen was named the 2025 Steve Pivovar Sports Media Person of the Year, becoming the first woman ever to receive the honor—a testament to her impact on athletics storytelling across the region.

Beyond her digital leadership, she brings fans closer to the action as a sideline reporter for the Omaha Supernovas, capturing the energy and excitement of one of Nebraska’s premier women’s professional sports teams.

At Ignite the Flame, Bellinghausen will bring her trademark energy, professionalism, and passion for elevating women in sport—helping us celebrate our athletes, ignite community pride, and champion the future of Flames Athletics.

 

Deb Denbeck​, honorary chair

We are thrilled to welcome Deb Denbeck as the Honorary Chair of College of Saint Mary’s Ignite the Flame fundraiser—an event dedicated to empowering the next generation of women student‑athletes.

A lifelong champion for young people and women in sport, Deb currently leads Partnership 4 Kids, an Omaha nonprofit that equips thousands of students with the skills, confidence, and mentorship they need to thrive in school, in their communities, and beyond.

Before stepping into nonprofit leadership, Deb spent more than two decades shaping collegiate athletics and inspiring student‑athletes. Her career includes serving as Associate Athletic Director at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and coaching volleyball at the College of Saint Mary (1982–1985) and Southwest Minnesota State (1986–2002). She also made a mark as Head Softball Coach at College of Saint Mary, leading her team to a 5th‑place finish at the NAIA National Championships—a milestone that contributed to her induction into the College of Saint Mary Hall of Fame.

Deb holds a B.S. in Education from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and an M.S. in Education (Sports Administration) from Western Illinois University. She brings unmatched energy, joy, and a heart for service to everything she touches—including her commitment to fueling opportunities for today’s Flames student‑athletes.

Join us in celebrating Deb Denbeck, whose leadership and passion help keep our Flames burning bright.

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