Here are the winners of the 2025-26 HSOT Honors awards

The winners have been announced for the 2025-26 HighSchoolOT Honors awards presented by Talk It Out NC, First Carolina Bank, and Children's Advocacy Centers of North Carolina.

HighSchoolOT Honors has been recognizing the top student-athletes, teams, and coaches in North Carolina high school sports since 2018.

A fan vote for the finalists was held in June.

This year's honors awards feature 36 categories including year-long and seasonal athlete and coach of the year honors. Other awards include the breakout teams of the year, student section of the year presented by Talk It Out NC, scholar athlete of the year, the sportsmanship award, and the ninth annual Stuart Scott Courage Award presented by Children's Advocacy Centers of North Carolina.

Named after the former WRAL-TV reporter and ESPN legend, the Stuart Scott Courage Award shines a light on individuals in high school athletics who have overcome adversity during the 2025-26 school year. The 2025-26 Stuart Scott Courage Award is presented by Children's Advocacy Centers of NC.

The 2025-26 Female Athlete of the Year award is presented by the North Carolina Egg Association. The 2025-26 Student Section of the Year award is presented by Talk It Out NC.

HighSchoolOT also awarded a lifetime achievement award, presented by First Carolina Bank, as part of this year's Honors winners.

The presenting sponsors of this year's HighSchoolOT Honors are: Talk It Out NC, First Carolina Bank, and Children's Advocacy Centers of North Carolina.

First Carolina Bank is a premier community financial services institution with a developed presence in the Carolinas, Virginia, and Georgia and has become one of the safest and more efficient banks in the US as measured by credit quality, liquidity, and overall operating practices.

Stop by one of their five locations across North Carolina in Cary, Raleigh, Reidsville, Rocky Mount, and Wilmington.

Learn more about how First Carolina Bank can serve you

Preventing underage drinking is important work that requires commitment from the entire North Carolina community.

Through the Talk it Out NC campaign, they communicate the dangers of underage and teen drinking, and provide tools and resources that equip parents, coaches, and other mentors to discuss the topic with the kids they influence.

Are you looking for help to Start the Conversation about underage drinking? Show your support and open the lines of communication today. Talk It Out NC has your back. Talking with young people about underage drinking doesn’t have to be awkward.

Start the conversation to stop underage drinking with Talk It Out NC

Children's Advocacy Centers of North Carolina (CACNC) is a non-profit organization that supports a statewide network of local Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) to combat child abuse, providing a child-focused, coordinated response that includes forensic interviews, medical exams, and therapy in a safe environment. As the state chapter of the National Children's Alliance, CACNC offers leadership, training, and resources to its 55 local centers, which serve children who have experienced abuse, neglect, trafficking, and exposure to violence.

Healing isn’t a solo journey. Donate, report, and get the resources that you need

2025-26 HighSchoolOT Honors Winners

Elite Awards

Female Athlete of the Year presented by the North Carolina Egg Association: D'Anna Cotton, Cummings track & field

• Other Finalists
  • Scarlett Gilner, Chapel Hill Lacrosse
  • Oshauna Holland, Stuart Cramer Basketball
  • Molly Nussbaumer, Cardinal Gibbons Field Hockey
  • Joella Thomas, Weddington Softball

Male Athlete of the Year: Eamon Hipps, Western Alamance boys Ssccer

• Other Finalists
  • Pennson Badgett, East Surry Golf
  • Lan Farmer, Shelby Football
  • Kendre Harrison, Reidsville Football
  • Samari Matthews, Hough Football

Female Multi-Sport Athlete of the Year: Dvdaya Swimmer, Cherokee volleyball & girls basketball & track

• Other Finalists
  • AK Chance, Hoggard Girls Basketball, Girls Soccer, & Discus
  • Brook Evans, South Central Volleyball & Girls Basketball
  • Katherine Leonard, Seaforth Girls Cross Country, Girls Basketball, & Girls Soccer
  • Katie Mann, Roxboro Community Girls Basketball, Softball

Male Multi-Sport Athlete of the Year: Dionte Neal, Reidsville football, boys basketball, & baseball

• Other Finalists
  • Alexander Chapman-Evans, Enloe Football, Track & Field
  • Cade Keller, Watauga Football, Boys Basketball, & Baseball
  • Kannon McBride, Croatan Football, Boys Basketball
  • Cameron Tucker, Jay M. Robinson Football & Track

Female Coach of the Year: Jackie Page, Pinecrest girls lacrosse

• Other Finalists:
  • Jennifer Baker, North Mecklenburg Girls Basketball
  • Alston Godbold, Green Level Volleyball
  • Claire Lyerly, Weddington Softball
  • Miranda Stamper, Cherokee Girls Basketball

Male Coach of the Year: Camden Brooks, Western Alamance soccer

• Other Finalists
  • Henry Drake, Northern Nash Boys Basketball
  • Ryan Habich, Watauga Football
  • Gary Hoilett, Charlotte Catholic Soccer
  • Patrick Warren, Bunn Baseball

Stuart Scott Courage Award presented by Children's Advocacy Centers of NC: Collin Hughes, Vance Charter basketball takes on life-threatening blood disorder, helps lead Vance Charter to state championship

• Other Finalists
  • William Knight, D.H. Conley girls basketball returns to sidelines after second kidney transplant
  • Reggie Lucas, Wake Forest football returns to sidelines after devastating loss of his wife Erika
  • Raymi Robles, Croatan wrestling wins 5A 113 title despite being born deaf
  • Jilly Young, Marvin Ridge volleyball - MVP of state title game after beating cancer

Lifetime Achievement Award presented by First Carolina Bank: Que Tucker, NCHSAA Commissioner

• A successful student-athlete and coach from Rockingham County, Tucker joined the North Carolina High School Athletic Association in 1991 and eventually became the Commissioner in 2015. Tucker oversaw some of the biggest changes in NCHSAA history, incuding the implementation of multiple new sanctioned sports and the historic realignment into eight classifications. Tucker was the first woman and first African American to ever hold the position of Commissioner. Under her leadership, North Carolina saw the largest expansion in female sport opprtunities to date. During her time as Assistant Executive Director at the NCHSAA, Tucker developed the Association’s student services program, focusing on substance abuse education, leadership development, academic accountability, and citizenship. Tucker was inducted into the NCHSAA Hall of Fame in 2012 and the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 2024. She announced her retirement will happen on October 1.

Sportsmanship Award: Jordan boys track shows respect during Mallard Creek track DQ saga

• Other Finalists
  • Carson Rowan, a respected and beloved leader for Vance Charter volleyball
  • Eastern Wayne softball's friendly, accommodating atmosphere to opponents facing Mallory Reed
  • Richard Umberger of Southern Alamance boys basketball supports teammates and leads with level head
  • West Forsyth boys soccer supports Myers Park following unexpected loss of cherished Mustang

Scholar Athlete of the Year: Darius Chukwuemeka, Ben L. Smith football & boys basketball

• Other Finalists
  • Julian Adigun, Greensboro Day Boys Basketball
  • Emily Auman, Union Pines Volleyball & Softball
  • Keysaun Eleazer, Southeast Raleigh Football
  • Tristan Shivers, Hoggard Girls Basketball

Athletic Department of the Year: North Lincoln High School

• Other Finalists
  • Carrboro
  • Charlotte Catholic
  • Marvin Ridge
  • Robbinsville

Best Athletic Department Media/Communications: Alexander Central High School

• Other Finalists
  • Grace Christian - Sanford
  • Providence Day School
  • Union Pines
  • Uwharrie Charter

Female Team of the Year: Cherokee girls basketball

• Other Finalists
  • Green Level volleyball
  • North Mecklenburg girls basketball
  • Pinecrest girls lacrosse
  • Weddington softball

Male Team of the Year: Western Alamance boys soccer

• Other Finalists
  • Grimsley Football
  • Hough Football
  • Providence Baseball
  • Queen's Grant Basketball

Female Breakout Team of the Year: Roxboro Community softball

• Other Finalists
  • Fairmont basketball
  • Felton Grove girls golf
  • New Life Camp volleyball
  • Wakefield Flag Football

Male Breakout Team of the Year: Southern Lee baseball

• Other Finalists
  • Hoggard boys lacrosse
  • Middle Creek boys soccer
  • Mooresville basketball
  • South Davidson football

Game of the Year: Salisbury vs. Central Davidson boys basketball, NCHSAA 4A West Regional Final

• Other Finalists
  • Ardrey Kell vs. Hoggard boys lacrosse, NCHSAA 8A championship
  • J.H. Rose vs. Watauga volleyball, NCHSAA 6A championship
  • West Charlotte vs. Hoggard boys basketball, NCHSAA 8A championship
  • Wilson Prep vs. Robbinsville football, NCHSAA 1A championship

Playoff Performance of the Year: Lan Farmer throws for 1,745 yards, 24 TDs, 1 INT in Shelby's state championship run

• Other Finalists
  • Ayden-Grifton volleyball wins every set in the 3A playoffs
  • Cherokee girls basketball beats Pamlico 76-15 in 2A championship
  • Freshman Peyton Peterson scores hat trick in state championship game for Pine Lake Prep
  • Greenfield's Kobe Edwards in the state championship game

Record-Breaking Performance of the Year: Pennson Badgett, East Surry golf, lowest 18-hole round + lowest under par at NCHSAA championships

• Other Finalists
  • Lexington's Kamari McDonald breaks record for pick-sixes in a game
  • Nyan Brown, Mallard Creek track and field, NCHSAA state meet record for 300-meter hurdles
  • Shelby and Kinston combine for most points in a football championship game
  • Stuart Cramer's Oshauna Holland breaks NCHSAA career points record

Story of the Year: Grimsley rides freshman QB to playoffs, 5-star Faizon Brandon finishes off state championship

• Other Finalists
  • Mallard Creek track DQ'd at states, decision reveresed by Appeals Board
  • NCHSAA sanctions boys volleyball & girls flag football
  • North Lincoln wins state title despite forfeiting almost all of its regular-season wins
  • Southwestern Randolph dedicates state championship to deceased teammate

Upset of the Year: 12-seed Southern Alamance baseball upends 1-seed J.H. Rose to reach regionals

• Other Finalists
  • Davie County baseball (16-12) upsets Cuthbertson (21-6) in the first round after the Cavs won the toughest conference tournament in the state
  • Green Level boys basketball, last team in 8A playoffs, beats 5-seed Willow Spring & 4-seed Panther Creek
  • Visiting Martin County hands 26-0 Farmville Central a fourth-round loss
  • Trask softball (16-6) upsets a 21-1 Midway team

Season Awards

Fall Sports Female Athlete of the Year: Britni Silver, D.H. Conley volleyball

• Other Finalists
  • Nejari Crooks, Wesleyan Christian Volleyball
  • Genevieve Harris, Cardinal Gibbons Volleyball
  • Jenna Kim, Durham Academy Golf
  • Quinn Pope, Wakefield Girls Flag Football

Fall Sports Male Athlete of the Year: Kendre Harrison, Reidsville football

• Other Finalists
  • Eamon Hipps, Western Alamance Boys Soccer
  • Cade Keller, Watauga Football
  • Samari Matthews, Hough Football
  • Aiden Smalls, Clayton Football

Fall Sports Female Coach of the Year: Brook Hammers, Marvin Ridge volleyball

• Other Finalists
  • Jo Cabana, Charlotte Catholic Tennis
  • Kayleigh Ferlan, Charlotte Country Day Field Hockey
  • Alston Godbold, Green Level Volleyball
  • Corrinna Sammons, Falls Lake Academy Volleyball

Fall Sports Male Coach of the Year: Ryan Habich, Watauga football

• Other Finalists
  • DeShawn Baker, Hough Football
  • Camden Brooks, Western Alamance Boys Soccer
  • Dwight Findlay, Hoggard Boys Soccer
  • Jimmy Walker, Southwestern Randolph Boys Soccer

Winter Sports Female Athlete of Year: Addison Gore, Garner wrestling

• Other Finalists
  • Oshauna Holland, Stuart Cramer Basketball
  • Zhoe Holt, Bradford Prep Indoor Track & Field
  • Caden Martin, Cary Academy Swimming
  • Alessia Potts, Pinecrest Indoor Track & Field

Winter Sports Male Athlete of the Year: Lorenzo Alston, Uwharrie Charter wrestling

• Other Finalists
  • Jyi Dawkins, Ben L. Smith Basketball
  • Kobe Edwards, Greenfied School Basketball
  • Dionte Neal, Reidsville Basketball
  • Bentley Sly, Stuart Cramer Wrestling

Winter Sports Female Coach of the Year: Khadijah Bryant, Goldsboro girls basketball

• Other Finalists
  • Jennifer Baker, North Mecklenburg Girls Basketball
  • Kristen Karr, North Lincoln Girls Basketball
  • Amber Parker, Parkwood Girls Wrestling
  • Miranda Stamper, Cherokee Girls Basketball

Winter Sports Male Coach of the Year: Greg Cain, East Chapel Hill boys swimming

• Other Finalists
  • Jerry Castro, North Lincoln Girls Indoor Track
  • Henry Drake, Northern Nash Boys Basketball
  • Freddy Johnson, Greensboro Day Boys Basketball
  • Greg Motley, Southern Durham Boys Basketball

Spring Sports Female Athlete of the Year: Scarlett Gilner, Chapel Hill girls lacrosse

• Other Finalists
  • Kyleigh Cameron, Union Pines Softball
  • Ava Marks, Corinth Holders Softball
  • Morgan Maxwell, West Forsyth Softball
  • Mallory Reed, Eastern Wayne Softball

Spring Sports Male Athlete of the Year: Shaw Akula, South Central boys tennis

• Other Finalists
  • Harrison Ailshie, East Rowan Baseball
  • Jay Cohn, Athens Drive Lacrosse
  • Jack Pisciotta, Davie County Lacrosse
  • Jacob Seamon, Metrolina Christian Baseball

Spring Sports Female Coach of the Year: Claire Lyerly, Weddington Softball

• Other Finalists:
  • Dee Bier, Charlotte Catholic Girls Lacrosse
  • Brooke Bradt, Christ the King Girls Soccer
  • Averee Coley, New Hanover Girls Lacrosse
  • Jackie Page, Pinecrest Lacrosse

Spring Sports Male Coach of the Year: Tommy Harrington, Southern Lee Baseball

• Other Finalists:
  • David Gilner, Chapel Hill Girls Lacrosse
  • Gary Hoilett, Charlotte Catholic Girls Soccer
  • Brian Miller, Holly Springs Girls Soccer
  • Tim Price, Ardrey Kell Boys Lacrosse

Spirit Awards

Cheerleading Team of the Year: Wakefield High School

• Other Finalists
  • Alexander Central
  • Dixon
  • Enloe
  • Lake Norman

Marching Band of the Year: Grimsley High School

• Other Finalists
  • Green Hope
  • Leesville Road
  • Monroe
  • Person

Student Section of the Year presented by Talk It Out NC: Watauga High School

• Other Finalists:
  • Currituck County
  • Dixon
  • Holly Springs
  • Myers Park