Female Athlete of the Year - Awarded to a local female athlete in the Richmond Region—amateur, collegiate, or professional—who embodies the highest values of competition, leadership, and sportsmanship, while making a positive impact on the community in 2025.
Male Athlete of the Year - Celebrating a standout male athlete in the Richmond Region—amateur, collegiate, or professional—whose athletic success and community involvement have made a lasting mark on RVA sports in 2025.
Youth Athlete of the Year - Honoring an exceptional Richmond Region youth athlete (through high school level) whose talent, determination, and character set them apart as a rising star in 2025.
Team of the Year - Presented to a Richmond Region team—amateur, collegiate, or professional—that demonstrated outstanding success, resilience, and unity in 2025, inspiring fans and strengthening community pride.
Youth Team of the Year - Recognizing a Richmond Region youth team (through high school level) that showcased extraordinary skill, perseverance, and teamwork in 2025 while inspiring pride in the community.
Coach of the Year - Recognizing a Richmond Region coach—at the amateur, high school, collegiate, or professional level—whose mentorship, integrity, and leadership inspired athletes and left a meaningful community impact.
Fan of the Year - Celebrating the Richmond Region’s most passionate sports supporter whose energy, dedication, and love for the game make them an essential part of RVA’s sports community.
Moment of the Year - This award recognizes the electrifying moment that had Richmond Region fans cheering, tweeting, and talking for days. From jaw-dropping plays to awe-inspiring acts of character, this moment captured the energy of the region and became the highlight of the sports year.
Event Impact of the Year - This award recognizes excellence in leveraging sports as a powerful driver of economic growth and community engagement in the Richmond Region. It honors creative and impactful marketing initiatives that use sporting events, partnerships, or campaigns to attract visitors, boost tourism, and generate measurable economic impact. The winner will have demonstrated innovative strategies that connect sports with regional promotion, enhance the visitor experience, and contribute to Richmond’s reputation as a premier sports destination.
Community Champion Award - Presented to a Richmond Region fan, volunteer, or advocate whose passion and commitment have strengthened RVA’s sports community and left a lasting legacy through sports.
Courage Story – Honoring an individual, team, or organization in the Richmond Region whose extraordinary courage and resilience in 2025 transcended sports and inspired the community.
The Award Process
Public nominations will be open from Monday, September 22 to Monday, November 17, 2025 for the Female Athlete of the Year, Male Athlete of the Year, Youth Athlete of the Year, Team of the Year, Youth Team of the Year, Coach of the Year, Fan of the Year, Moment of the Year, and Event Impact of the Year. Anyone currently playing or coaching, in the Richmond Region or a collegiate or professional athlete or coach that is from Richmond and/or attended high school or college in the Region is eligible to be nominated.
A distinguished representation of local sports media will choose the top finalists in each category and fan voting will take place from Monday, December 1, 2025 to Monday, January 5, 2026. Fan voting will represent 75% of the final points total, while the distinguished panel of local sports media will represent 25% of the final points total. Winners will be announced at the January 31, 2026 RVA Sports Awards Show.
