Melanie Troxel lives in the fast lane.

Troxel, the fastest female race driver in the world, was named Sunday as Sportswoman of the Year at the 33rd Sportswomen of Colorado Awards banquet at the Denver Marriott Tech Center.

Troxel's honor was the highlight of the ceremony, which recognized athletes, coaches, contributors and teams for their performances in 2006.

The guest speaker was Susan Williams, who won the bronze medal in the triathlon at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

University of Colorado volleyball player Ashley Nu'u, Air Force Academy javelin thrower Dana Pounds and the Adams State cross country program, which won the NCAA Division II national championship, were inducted into the Sportswomen Hall of Fame.

Athletes enter the Hall of Fame after being recognized three times.

Troxel, a native of Littleton, started the 2006 National Hot Rod Association season by winning the Winternationals in Pomona, Calif., becoming the sixth woman in NHRA history to win a Top Fuel event. She then became the first driver, male or female, to start the season by reaching five consecutive finals.

"It's nice to come back home and be here for an honor like this," Troxel said. "You work hard, and this is so special to come back to. I'm not trying to be the best of my gender, just the best driver in my sport. I feel fortunate to be doing what I love for a living."

Troxel, daughter of the late Mike Troxel, a world champion drag racer, was fourth last season in the final points standings. She won her second event, in May in Las Vegas, and was runner-up seven times.

"My dad was a big influence for me to get involved," Troxel said. "He helped me learn to work hard to be successful."

Troxel, who is married to Funny Car driver Tommy Johnson Jr. and resides in Indianapolis, drove the quarter mile at 331.04 mph in 4.458 seconds in May in Atlanta to set career marks.

The NHRA Top Fuel speed (336.15 mph) and elapsed-time (4.428 seconds) records are held by Tony Schumacher.

National honors have been coming fast for Troxel, who held the NHRA points lead through the first 12 races this season.

Among her numerous honors, she was named the Women's Sports Foundation's individual Sportswoman of the Year and was nominated for an ESPY award as the best female athlete.

The goal now for Troxel is to become the first woman since Shirley Muldowney to win a Top Fuel title. Muldowney won in 1977 and 1982.

CU ski coach Richard Rokos was named the Sportswomen's Coach of the Year. During Rokos' 16-year tenure, the Buffaloes have won five NCAA titles and eight West Regional championships and produced 22 individual national champions and 130 All- Americans.

Colorado ski team members Lucie Zikova and Jana Rehemaa also were honored by the Sportswomen.

Melissa Jones of Legacy was named the all-around high school athlete of the year.

• Sportswoman of the year: Melanie Troxel, Littleton.

• Hall of fame: Adams State College cross country program; Ashley Nu'u, University of Colorado; Dana Pounds, Air Force Academy.

SPORTS AWARD WINNERS

• Athletic excellence/Hall of Fame: Adams State track and cross country program; athletic excellence, Victoria Martinez, TiaNiecia Mosley, coach Damon Martin.

• Ballooning: Carol Rymer Davis, Denver. Basketball: Diana Lopez, Regis University; Hannah Tuomi, Horizon High School; Mallory Cline, McClave High School; McClave girls team, coach Dick Peecher. Boxing: Terri Cruz, Denver. Cross country: CU team. Cyclocross: Katie Compton, Colorado Springs. Distance running: Kaitlyn Vanatta, Ralston Valley High School; Sara Slattery, Lafayette. Field hockey: Greta Meyer, Kent Denver High School. Golf: Andrea Watts, Kent Denver. Gymnastics: Hannah Bower, Loveland High School. Ice hockey: Emily West, Pine Creek High School. Kayaking: Hanna Farrar, Carbondale High School/Dartmouth. Lacrosse: Danielle Kachulis, Kent Denver/Duke University; Kristie Leggio, University of Denver. Motor sports: Melanie Troxel, Littleton. Skiing: Lindsey Kildow, Vail; Lucie Zikova, CU; Jana Rehemaa, CU. Soccer: Metro State team, coach Danny Sanchez; Nikki Marshall, CU; Danielle Foxhoven, Mullen High School. Softball: Jessica Strickland, Colorado State University; Kelli Henderson, Cherry Creek High School. Swimming: Lisa Caprioglio, Highlands Ranch High School/University of Georgia. Tennis: Rhona Kaczmarczyk, Denver; Sara Anund- sen, University of North Carolina. Track and field: Dana Pounds, Air Force; Jenny Barringer, CU. Volleyball: Lisa Meeter, Colorado Springs Christian High School;

Ashley Nu'u, CU.

• Masters: Susan von de Lippe, swimming, Loveland. Cindi Toepel, XTERRA Triathlon, Littleton.

SPECIAL AWARDS

• All-Around: Melissa Jones, Legacy High School.

• Coach of the Year: Richard Rokos, CU.

• Milestone: Brooke Sauer, Colorado State.

• Leadership: Barbara Schroeder, Regis.

• Dedication: Nancy Hobbs, Colorado Springs.

• Inspiration: Marion Downs, Denver.

• Woman's Best Friend: Taz Ballengee, Silverthorne.

• Most Promising: Danielle Haulman, Mullen High School.

• Courageous: Patty Turgeon, Mullen.

• Comeback: Dana Derichsweiler, Boulder.

• Spirit: Roxlyn Cole, Littleton.

• Pioneer: Molly Renes, Centennial.

• Contribution: Sue Burke, Boulder.

stockers@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5275 Sportswomen of Colorado winners

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