RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Two Stevens High School student-athletes are preparing to represent the entire state of South Dakota on a national, televised stage.
Kinsley Armstrong, 16, and her brother Kasen, 15, have been officially selected as South Dakota’s female and male competitors for the upcoming 2026 Patriot Games. Following a highly competitive, two-round national application process, the Armstrong’s are believed to be one of only two sibling duos in the nation chosen to compete together in the prestigious event.
The sibling team brings a unique perspective to the national arena. As children of a military family, they have moved across the state, living in Springfield, Huron, and Rapid City. Because of these deep ties to multiple local communities, they say they are incredibly proud to represent not just their hometown, but the entire Mount Rushmore State.
The Patriot Games will feature top-tier student-athletes from all 50 states, U.S. territories, and tribal nations. Beyond the pride of representing their home states, the young competitors will be vying for a share of a massive $250,000 scholarship prize pool to help fund their future educational goals.
South Dakota viewers can follow the Armstrong siblings’ journey live on ESPN+ starting Sunday, August 9 through August 11. The event will then make its national broadcast debut on ABC Primetime on Thursday, August 13.
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