🏆 A look at this year's finalists for the RVA Sports Awards!

Voting has concluded to help pick this year's winners for the fifth annual RVA Sports Awards. The event recognizes local athletic achievements and honors those who aim to better the Richmond region through sport.

The winners will be revealed live at the 2026 RVA Sports Awards Show at the Altria Theater, which will be broadcast live on CBS 6 on Sunday, March 1 at 4 p.m.!

Female Athlete of the Year presented by Kings Dominion

• Maggie Doogan - University of Richmond Women's Basketball
• CJ James - River City Sting
• Amanda Lanyon - Randolph-Macon Softball
• Suzanne McWilliams - Sports Backers and SwimRVA Triathlete

Male Athlete of the Year presented by Colonial Downs® & Rosie’s Gaming Emporium®

• Curtis Allen - Virginia Union University Football
• John Cerminara - USA Track & Field Masters Discus
• Jacob Cooper - Virginia State University Basketball
• Aidan O’Neil - University of Richmond Lacrosse

Youth Athlete of the Year

• Davion Brown - Trinity Episcopal Football
• Emerson Callis - Monacan High School Swimming
• Marlee Gaskell - Midlothian High School Softball
• Darius Gray - St. Christopher’s Football 

Team of the Year

• Randolph-Macon College Football
• Randolph-Macon College Softball
• Virginia Commonwealth University Men's Basketball
• Virginia State University Men's Basketball
• Virginia Union University Football

Youth Team of the Year

• Benedictine College Preparatory Football
• Collegiate Girls Tennis
• Manchester High School Girls Basketball
• Midlothian High School Softball

Coach of the Year presented by Brown Distributing Company

• Rally Axselle - Atlee High School Boys Basketball
• Cornell Core - James River High School Girls Track
• Jeremy Pruitt - Armstrong High School Football
• Aaron Roussell - University of Richmond Women's Basketball

Fan of the Year presented by Techno Branded SWAG

• Lance Brown & Anthony Clary - November Project and We Off The Couch
• Carolina Cano - Bus Driver Collegiate Super Fan
• Ray Edwards - Richmond Flying Squirrels
• Ron Pomfrey – Super Collector

Moment of the Year presented by The 288 Group

• American Promise Wins Virginia Derby
• Richmond Flying Squirrels Final Week at The Diamond
• Richmond Lax Beats UNC - First NCAA Win
• Thomas Dale Walk-Off 99-Yard Pick-6

Event Impact of the Year presented by Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority and Virginia Sports Hall of Fame

• Dominion Energy Charity Classic
• NXTPro Basketball Event
• Allianz Richmond Marathon
• VAXC Showcase Event at Pole Green Park

The RVA Sports Awards are Saturday, Jan 31, 2026, at the Altria Theater. For ticket information, visit  RVASportsAwards.com.

The RVA Sports Awards recognize local athletic achievements from the past year and honor those who aim to better the Richmond Region through sport.

The RVA Sports Awards are presented by Colonial Downs® & Rosie’s Gaming Emporium®.