With the Iowa Hawkeyes’ first football game just weeks away, University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital is kicking off the 16th season of its beloved Kid Captain program.
Started in 2009, the program honors pediatric patients by sharing their inspiring stories with fans across the country. This year, more than 200 nominations came in from Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, and Colorado. Now, the hospital has proudly announced its 2025–26 Kid Captains — a special group of young heroes who’ve shown strength and courage in the face of major health challenges.
Meet this year’s Kid Captains and the Hawkeye games they’ll be honored at:
- Nolan Stevenson – Iowa vs. Albany, Aug. 30
- James Hall – Iowa at Iowa State, Sep. 6
- Gwendolyn Clouse – Iowa vs. UMass, Sep. 13
- Liam Bartleson – Iowa at Rutgers, Sep. 20
- Jaxton Engstrom – Iowa vs. Indiana, Sep. 27
- Lily Sebastian – Iowa at Wisconsin, Oct. 11
- Micah Norby – Iowa vs. Penn State, Oct. 18
- Luke Johnston – Iowa vs. Minnesota, Oct. 25
- Harper Atkinson – Iowa vs. Oregon, Nov. 8
- Blake Bonta – Iowa at USC, Nov. 15
- Ray Walker – Iowa vs. Michigan State, Nov. 22
- Millie Judge – Iowa at Nebraska, Nov. 28
Each of these children will be recognized during an Iowa football game this season, with their stories featured throughout the year.
“Kid Captains represent the best of us,” said Jim Leste, chief administrative officer of Stead Family Children’s Hospital. “They face so much, but they show us what real bravery, strength, and compassion look like. I’m so proud of the difference our care teams make for families every day.”
Before the season begins, all Kid Captains and their families are invited to Kids’ Day at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 9, where they’ll enjoy a special behind-the-scenes tour and celebration.
To learn more about this year’s Kid Captains and read their stories, visit: uichildrens.org/kidcaptain
