St. Paul – Bemidji Pioneer Sports Editor Jared Rubado has been named a 2025 National Girls and Women in Sports Day-Minnesota honoree by receiving the Kwame McDonald Media Award. The ceremony took place on Wednesday, February 5, at the Minnesota History Center, celebrating his significant contributions to the coverage of women's sports.
According to the National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) website, "Kwame McDonald was a civil rights activist and pioneer in covering women's sports." The Kwame McDonald Media Award recognizes members of the media or Minnesota media outlets who have consistently provided coverage promoting and supporting girls’ and women’s sports.
The celebration, organized by the Minnesota Coalition of Women in Athletic Leadership, serves as a tribute to individuals and organizations inspiring the participation of girls and women in sports, marking advocacy for Title IX—a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at ensuring equal opportunities for women and girls in sports.
Rubado's nomination noted, "A good sports story doesn’t just focus on points scored and final results. The real story goes far beyond what happened on the court or the track, to who helped their team win and how they got there." This insight reflects his dedication to highlighting the narratives behind athletic achievements, focusing not just on outcomes but the people involved.
The livestream of the awards ceremony is available for replay at ngwsd-mn.com, where Rubado’s introduction and acceptance speech begins at the 58-minute mark. His approach emphasizes the significance of individual stories, making sure the spotlight shines on the right people, especially when promoting the growth of girls' and women's sports.
Graduated from Augustana University in December 2018 with degrees in journalism and sports management, Rubado has held various sports reporting and editorial roles at several Forum Communications newspapers. His past work includes positions at the Brainerd Dispatch, the Alexandria Echo Press, and the Detroit Lakes Tribune before starting his current role at the Pioneer in January 2023.
His nomination for the award outlines how he uses the power of words to uplift female coaches, athletes, and administrators, ensuring their stories reach and resonate with the wider community. It reads, "Thanks to his passion for sports equity and journalism, all athletes in Bemidji and beyond know their story and accomplishments will be acknowledged and celebrated." Such sentiments underlie the importance of recognition not only within sports journalism but also in the broader societal narrative surrounding women's sports.
Rubado’s recognition also sheds light on the continued efforts to portray women's sports with the respect and attention they deserve. His work exemplifies how sports journalism can serve as a platform for fostering equity, inspiring younger generations, and highlighting the impacts of Title IX by sharing treasured stories of perseverance and achievement.
Events like the National Girls and Women in Sports Day not only honor past achievements but also pave the way for future generations. Through dedicated reporting and storytelling, journalists like Rubado play a pivotal role in shaping how women’s sports are perceived and celebrated, enriching the narratives surrounding female athletics.
The support Rubado has garnered from the community speaks volumes about the impact he has made through his journalism. His commitment to fairness and representation draws attention to the accomplishments of female athletes, ensuring their visibility on platforms where they might otherwise go unrecognized.
The Kwame McDonald Media Award is more than just recognition; it is a call to action for other journalists to follow suit and prioritize the narratives of girls and women participating in sports. Rubado’s dedication is particularly significant as discussions surrounding gender inequality continue to permeate various sectors, including sports.
This award, along with the ceremony itself, mirrors the mission of organizations aiming to inspire girls and women for active participation in athletics. The acknowledgment of Rubado’s work serves as motivation not just for him but for all those involved in sports journalism, reinforcing the impact they can have on shaping perceptions and contributing to equality.
Rubado's recognition is celebrated not only by his peers but also by those who appreciate the value of equitable coverage for women’s sports. His ability to capture the essence of true sportsmanship—highlighting the dedication, hard work, and passion of female athletes—ensures their stories are told and remembered, advancing the narrative of gender inclusivity.
Jared Rubado's receipt of the Kwame McDonald Media Award serves as both a distinction and as motivation for sports journalists everywhere to uplift female athletes and tell their stories with the respect and authenticity they deserve.