Carson Wood is a senior at William Byrd High School and a member of the William Byrd
Terriers varsity girls softball team. She has been selected as a 2025 recipient of the Kip Nininger
Scholarship Fund from KNSF.org.
presented to her by Chris Nininger. She is pictured with her father, Allen Wood (left) and her
mother, Stephanie Sharpley. (photo by Debbie Adams)
The award was presented between the JV and varsity games against Staunton River at the Terrier
softball field on April 22 by the founder of the organization, Chris Nininger.
“Kip had a big heart, and his passion was giving to others,” Nininger said. “He tragically lost his
life almost four years ago in May 2021.”
To keep his legacy of giving alive, the Kip Nininger Scholarship Fund (KNSF) was created. In
the last four years since losing Kip, the fund has given scholarships to 168 high school seniors
and college students, totaling over $238,000.
Carson’s scholarship is #169. She plans to attend Virginia Tech in the fall to study in the College
of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.
Carson Wood has a special meaning to Kip’s family. Her mom attended school with Kip’s uncle
and Kip’s grandmother was her mom’s school bus driver. Carson herself has played softball with
Kip’s cousin.
Kip Nininger was an avid outdoorsman. He played football, hockey, and baseball and was a two-
time state champion wrestler.
Off the field, he is remembered as a hard worker with a desire to help others. He volunteered as a
youth wrestling coach and at the Roanoke Rescue Mission. He never met a stranger and is
remembered as outgoing, kind, and forgiving.
Applicants for this scholarship must be seniors in high school with a 3.0 GPA or higher. The
funds are intended to benefit student athletes in the community preparing for college.
WBHS softball coach Greg Barton says to receive the prestigious award, students must be an
athlete, and of good character.
“Carson is a great kid; she works hard,” said Barton.
She has started for the team for three years and plays right field. Carson was the manager for
Byrd’s state championship team in 2019.
Carson’s mother is Stephanie Sharpley (stepfather is Walter Sharpley); her father is Allen Wood
(stepmother is Alisha Wood).
