President’s Report - 2025 Year in Review
Linda Miller
KC Pink Warriors
This year marked our sixth anniversary. When I reflect on how far we’ve come, I am truly amazed and humbled. Together, we’ve built something special and lasting: a community of strength, friendship, and hope that extends far beyond the water.
Our mission continues to shine through every paddle stroke as we strive to grow the dragon boat community and represent the power of survivorship. The year 2025 was one of growth, determination, and success, marked by competitive accomplishments, new adventures, and deepened bonds of sisterhood.
Season Highlights
We proudly represented KC Pink Warriors at festivals across the country, competing in both the women’s and cancer survivor divisions and bringing home multiple medals.
Festival Achievements
Austin, TX: Silver Medal
Fort Dodge, IA: Gold Medal (New Members competing for the first time together!)
Oklahoma City, OK: Swept the podium—Gold, Silver, and Bronze (500m); BCS Overall First Place Trophy
Montana: Gold Medal, Women’s Division
Portland, OR: Gold Medal, BCS Division; Silver Medal, Women’s Division “D”
Kansas City Dragon Boat Festival: Gold and Silver Medals
Kansas City Dragon Boat Festival
Our second annual Kansas City Dragon Boat Festival on September 27 once again exceeded expectations, showcased the incredible partnership and dedication of our team, volunteers, and community supporters. Despite fierce competition, our two KC Pink Warriors teams proudly earned Gold and Silver medals.
A heartfelt thank-you to our generous sponsors:
Needham DBS, Concrete Strategies, Country Club Bank, Advent Health, Select Physical Therapy, Revital Cancer Rehabilitation, and Schomburg Heating & Cooling.
Your support makes it possible for us to continue our mission of empowering survivors through physical activity and to shine a light on the sport of dragon boating within our community.
Training and Development
This year, our team continued to invest in skills and strength, both on and off the water.
Hosted a team paddling camp with Tek Li
Offered three practices per week, totaling 61 practices plus six social paddles
Continued off-season training with KU Sports Medicine Performance Center and Row House (Parkville)
Celebrating Our Members
Our members are the heart of KC Pink Warriors.
Welcomed 15 new paddlers into our family
Recognized Michelle Steger and Malin Maurice as our KC Pink Warrior(s) of the Year for their outstanding leadership and team spirit, and fantastic example of a never wavering commitment to the team. Congratulations to them both!
Social Connection
Our bonds grew stronger through shared experiences beyond the boat.
Highlights included:
Team dinners and a summer pool party
KC Roller Derby outing and an urban hike
Six special “social paddles” focused on fun, connection, and relaxation
Fundraising and Community Support
Through creativity and teamwork, we strengthened both our team and our community presence.
Fundraising Initiatives:
Printful online apparel sales
Tidal Wave Car Wash sales
Kansas City Dragon Boat Festival fundraising
Chicken N Pickle – North Kansas City “Sip & Support” and Pink Cup Fundraiser during Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Continued partnership with Nebraska Furniture Mart for holiday gift wrapping
Ongoing generosity from friends and family through Giving Tuesday and year-round donations
Community Involvement:
Our members volunteered 263 hours across Kansas City cancer support organizations including Bra Couture KC, Gilda’s Club, and Cancer Action.
In addition, our members hand-crafted over 50 items for cancer patients—a beautiful example of giving back from the heart.
Looking Ahead
As we paddle forward, we do so with renewed energy and purpose. Each festival, practice, and event reminds us that we are not just a team—we are a family united by shared experience and the spirit of survival.
Thank you to each member, volunteer, supporter, and partner who continues to lift us up. Together, we are Inspiring. Restoring. Empowering.
Here’s to another year of strength, friendship, and powerful paddling!
President’s Report - 2024 Year in Review
Linda Miller
As I reflect on 2024, I am filled with pride and gratitude for our incredible journey as the KC Pink Warriors. This year, April 6th marked our 5th anniversary, a significant milestone that demonstrates our growth, resilience, and unwavering spirit. Together, we have continued to make waves in the dragon boat community, and our accomplishments are a testament to our dedication and teamwork.
2024 was a year of new exploration and success. We participated in several festivals, making a strong showing in both the women's and cancer divisions. Our return to international waters in Vancouver and our new adventures in Austin and Minocqua were not just about competition; they were about camaraderie and shared experiences that strengthen our bonds.
Here are a few highlights from our season:
Austin, Texas: GOLD Medal
Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival, Vancouver, B.C.: SILVER Medal in the BCS Cup
Minocqua, Wisconsin: GOLD Medal
Kansas City Dragon Boat Festival: SILVER Medal
Inaugural Kansas City Dragon Boat Festival
Our partnership with Great White North (GWN) Dragon Boat last year, led us to our most notable event of the year, bringing Major League dragon boating to Kansas City. The inaugural Kansas City Dragon Boat Festival on September 28 exceeded all our expectations, showcasing the expertise of our partners and the talents of our team. Not only did we host the festival, we were honored to win a silver medal, and the joy of that day is etched in my heart. I extend my deepest thanks to our festival sponsors—Needham DBS, Concrete Strategies, Country Club Bank, Cartessa Aesthetics, Creative Planning, Select Physical Therapy, and D.V. Douglass Roofing—for helping to make this dream a reality.
Training and Development-Paddling Camps
Hired Paolo Ameglio for a full team paddling and steer camp
Hired Josie Griffith to help hone the skills of our stroke pod with an intensive pacer clinic
Practices
Highly attended practices offered three times a week
61 total practices plus social paddles
Celebrating Our Members
This year, much to my surprise, I was voted “KC Pink Warrior of the Year,” by our members for unwavering commitment to our team.
Social Club Events
Social outings including dinners, movies, plus seven special social paddles
Fundraising Efforts
Paddles & Pints at Boulevard Brewery was a great success raising over 34K
Bonfire for online team apparel sales
In October, for Breast Cancer Awareness month, Chicken N Pickle-North Kansas City continues to help us fundraise with Give Back Night, Wine Walk and the Pink Cup Fundraiser
Continue to work with NFM holiday gift-wrapping
The unwavering support of our friends and families’ donations on Giving Tuesday and throughout the year
Off Season Training
KU Sports Medicine Performance Center
Row House (Parkville, Mo. location)
New Members
5 new paddlers joined the team
Team Equipment
We were able to purchase 30 team PDFs (life jackets)
Changed team uniform vendors to allow us more options and flexibility at a less expensive price point
Local Cancer Charity Support
Contributed $1000 to Cancer Action
Over 100 volunteer hours for Bra Couture KC and Cancer Action
Plus volunteering 12 hours for the Shawnee Mission Triathlon
Thank you all for your passion, dedication, and support. Together, we are not just a team; we are a family united by our shared experiences and the spirit of survival. Here’s to another successful season and another year of strength, friendship, and powerful paddling!
With Gratitude,
Linda Miller
President, KC Pink Warriors
PRESIDENT’S REPORT - 2023 IN REVIEW
Michelle Steger
2023 was a year of branching out and opening the KC Pink Warriors’ racing world to new challenges. With four racing seasons under our belt, we were ready to enter the international scene in Vancouver. BC, and take on many Breast Cancer Paddler teams in Kentucky. We rose to the challenge, took home gold consistently and, more importantly, created new connections with additional BCP teams.
Not only did we perform abroad, but we also stepped up our community service game in Kansas City with nearly 100 hours of service donated. The KC Pink Warriors helped charities such as Bra Couture KC and Braden’s Hope for Childhood Cancer to accomplish their missions.
The fundraising front was quiet this year with no big fundraisers planned, but wonderful philanthropic-minded companies like Chicken N Pickle, Needham DBS, Schomburg Heating and Cooling and Nebraska Furniture Mart stepped up their support to help us remain financially sound, not to mention the overwhelming support we received from our friends and family on Giving Tuesday. Thank you to all those who support us so we can continue our mission!
Last but not least, the KC Pink Warriors joined forces with Great White North (GWN) to bring a Major League dragon boat festival to Kansas City!! Teams from near and far will join up at Shawnee Mission Lake on Sep 28 to kick off the inaugural Kansas City Dragon Boat Festival. Watch for more information on this amazing event, as it is surely to make the highlight reel for the entire Kansas City community in 2024!
Let’s take a closer look at the highlights for 2023:
Festivals
Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival (Vancouver B.C.) - GOLD
Chicago International Dragon Boat Festival - GOLD
Badger Lake Dragon Boat Bash (Fort Dodge, IA) - GOLD
Kentucky Dragon Boat Festival - GOLD
Paddling Camp
Hired Nathan Salazar to host a private training clinic
Practice
Successful practices (three times weekly) with HIGH attendance
58 practices in all!
“KC Pink Warrior of the Year”
Team selected Heather Sebel (VP for Public Relations and Co-Coach) and Denett Costin (Team Captain and Steer) for their undying commitment to the team
Social Happenings
The Social Club continued its mission of providing FUN outings for team members
Dinners, brunches, Curling lessons and aerial yoga at Learning2Fly, along with MANY other fun social opportunities
Fundraising
Chicken N Pickle in North Kansas City stepped up to help us fundraise with Give Back Night, Wine Walk and the Pink Cup Fundraiser
Bonfire apparel sales, NFM gift-wrapping and continued donation support from the community also proved to bring in much-needed funds
KU Sports Performance Center
Resumed winter training with Kelsey Ngeh from Jan-Mar
NEWBIES
Gained 8 new paddlers!!
Local Charity Support
Contributed $1000 to Braden’s Hope for Childhood Cancer
Engaged in nearly 100 hours of community service for Braden’s Hope for Childhood Cancer and Bra Couture KC
President’s Report - 2022 in Review
Michelle Steger
2022 was a year of continued growth and strengthening for the KC Pink Warriors! We buckled down and honed in on our dragon boat skills thanks to the coaching trifecta of Jen Forman-Wright, Betty Welch and Heather Sebel. In turn, we became a more disciplined team, complete with excellent technique, strong endurance and a powerful sense of synchronicity. Administratively, our leadership team locked in a more routine way of running the team business while ensuring long-term success. Fundraising built upon past years’ efforts and knocked it out of the park with the Paddles+Pinot event in August. Putting all of these passions, talents and aptitude for hard work together, there’s nothing this team can’t achieve in 2023 and beyond!
Let’s take a look at 2022:
Festivals
Kansas City International Dragon Boat Festival - GOLD
Paddlefest (Oklahoma City, OK) - GOLD & 2 SILVER
Chicago International Dragon Boat Festival - SILVER
Badger Lake Dragon Boat Bash (Fort Dodge, IA) - GOLD
Paddling Camp
Hired Connie Flesuras and Kathy Skinner from Dragon Boating Training to host a private training clinic
Perry Yacht Club served as our venue for the clinic
Steering, Drumming and various dragon boat techniques were taught to much of the team
Practice
Successful practices (three times weekly) with HIGH attendance
59 practices in all!
“KC Pink Warrior of the Year”
Awarded to Jen Forman-Wright for her commitment as Executive Vice President, Co-Coach and all-around committed member of the team!
Social Happenings
The Social Club continued its mission of providing FUN outings for team members
Crafting at The Small Hinge, painting at Pinot’s Palette, aerial yoga at Learning2Fly, along with MANY other fun social opportunities
Fundraising
Paddles+Pinot was a smashing success, raising nearly $50K
Bonfire apparel sales, NFM gift-wrapping and continued donation support from the community also proved to bring in much-needed funds
NEW 10-person Dragon Boat
10-person boat acquired from PanAm Dragon Boat to accommodate our growing team and practices
KU Sports Performance Center
Resumed winter training with Kelsey Ngeh in Jan-Mar
NEWBIES
Gained 6 new paddlers!!
Annual Donation
Contributed $1000 to Braden’s Hope for Childhood Cancer
President’s Report - 2021 in review
Michelle Steger
Our third season started off a little slow as COVID continued to throw challenges our way, but by summertime we were able to host a private paddling clinic and race at three regional festivals. Much bonding, learning and fun was had thanks to these events! The evolution of our team continued with the addition of 11 paddlers, beautiful custom competition paddles and the founding of our BIG fundraiser, the Belvoir Wine Tasting and Silent Auction. 2021 was another big building year four our team and we are well-primed for our fourth season!
Let’s take a look at 2021:
Festivals
Badger Lake Dragon Boat Bash (Fort Dodge, IA) - GOLD
Dubuque Dragon Boat Festival (Dubuque, IA) - GOLD
Paddlefest (Oklahoma City, OK) - GOLD & 2 SILVER
Paddling Camp
Hired Connie Flesuras from Dragon Boating Training to host a private training clinic at Wyandotte County Lake in June.
High attendance by team and so much learned!
Practice
Successful practices (three times weekly) with HIGH attendance
“KC Pink Warrior of the Year”
Awarded to Cheryl Toub for her commitment both on and off the boat!
Social Happenings
Established the Dinner Club to celebrate monthly birthdays and keep in touch throughout the year
Fundraising
Belvoir Wine Tasting & Silent Auction was a huge success!
Hamburger Mary’s, Bonfire apparel sales, NFM gift-wrapping and Corn-hole raffle also proved to bring in much-needed funds
Competition Paddles
Carbon-fiber paddles with beautiful custom designs for competitions delivered
2023 IBCPC Participatory Dragon Boat Festival in New Zealand
Postponed from 2022 to 2023
Ended 2021 with a full team plus a waitlist for paddlers
27 registered supporters for our team!
KU Sports Performance Center
Resumed winter training with Kelsey Ngeh via Zoom in Dec 2020 thru Mar 2021
NEWBIES
Gained 11 new paddlers!!
Leaving 2021 with 42 paddlers on the team
Annual Donation
Contributed $500 to Supporting Kids Foundation
President’s Report - 2020 in Review
Michelle Steger
Michelle Steger, President and Founder KCPW
Wow, what a year! But 2020 wasn’t all bad for the KC Pink Warriors. Once again, we showed our resiliency through survivorship and didn’t allow challenges to impede our team goals and spirit. In fact, we thrived through 2020! We put our first team-owned dragon boat in the water, trained twice weekly, learned the highly-technical dragon boat stroke, raised funds and built amazing bonds. 2020 will go down in our team history as a challenging, but highly successful year for the KC Pinks!
Let’s take a look at our year:
“KC Rise” Dragon Boat
Paid 2nd installment for our first team-owned dragon boat & trailer
Delivered in March, despite lockdowns for pandemic
Christening Ceremony in June
Practice
Successful practices (twice weekly) with HIGH attendance
NO COVID19 TRANSMISSION!!
Great use of Teamsnap and overall communication within team
Steer Team Development
Awesome volunteers & training
Focus on safety
Fundraising
Hamburger Mary’s, Buff Sales & Krispy Kreme Donuts
Uniforms
“Forever” uniforms delivered
Short-sleeved, long-sleeved & tank tops, jackets, hats
Competition Paddles
Raised enough money to purchase carbon-fiber paddles
2022 IBCPC Participatory Dragon Boat Festival in New Zealand
KCPW was the FIRST team to register
23 paddlers and 20 supporters registered so far
Team Care Committee Established
Accepts donations and supports team members as needed
KU Sports Performance Center
Kicked off winter training with Kelsey Ngeh at the Performance Center in Jan 2020
Resumed training via Zoom in Dec 2020
NEWBIES
Gained 9 new paddlers!!
Team Donation
$500 to Alexander’s Journey Cancer Rehab Foundation