Nominations for RVA Sports Awards honor top athletes, coaches
1/2/2025, 8 a.m.
Public voting is open for the fourth annual RVA Sports Awards, offering fans an opportunity to celebrate athletes, teams, and coaches who have significantly impacted the community. The awards highlight excellence in Richmond sports, with categories recognizing athletes, teams, coaches and standout moments of the year. Voting continues through Jan. 15.
The RVA Sports Awards feature a variety of categories, including:
Female Athlete of the Year: Addie Budnik (University of Richmond Women’s Basketball), Gracie Ellis (Randolph-Macon College Softball), Carmen Gullickson (Vintage Boxing), Gillian Smith (Irish National Lacrosse Team)
Male Athlete of the Year: Jada Byers (Virginia Union University Football), Brandon Eike (Virginia Commonwealth University Baseball), Zach Palmer-Smith (University of Richmond Football), Jack Smith (Randolph-Macon College Lacrosse)
Team of the Year: Randolph-Macon College Baseball, University of Richmond Football, Virginia Commonwealth University Baseball, Virginia Union University Football
Coach of the Year: Eric Ash (Vintage Boxing Gym), Ray Hedrick (Randolph-Macon College Baseball), Billy King (Sports Backers and Elizabeth Davis Middle School Cross Country), Aaron Rousell (University of Richmond Women’s Basketball)
Moment of the Year: Richmond Flying Squirrels Stadium Groundbreaking, Randolph-Macon College Baseball Hosts Super Regionals, University of Richmond Women’s Basketball Wins A-10 Title in Henrico, Tri-City Chili Peppers Cosmic Baseball
Youth Athlete of the Year: Jah’Kei Chavis (Armstrong High School Football), Rashaud Cherry (Thomas Jefferson High School Football), Cayman Goode (Henrico High School Baseball), Avery Hurley (Colonial Heights High School Volleyball)
Youth Team of the Year: Atlee High School Boys Lacrosse, Benedictine College Preparatory Football, Midlothian High School Girls Soccer, Salem Church Athletic Association Football 14U
Event Impact of the Year: Ukrop’s Monument 10K 25th Anniversary, Sportable Hosts NWBA National Wheelchair Basketball Championships, Virginia Commonwealth University Hoops HER Game, Varina Dig Pink Fundraiser
The RVA Sports Awards will take place 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at Altria Theater. Jackie Joyner-Kersee will host the ceremony, which will include entertainment and presentations honoring the winners. Tickets start at $75, with VIP tickets available for $125. Organizers encourage attendees to wear sneakers to complement the event’s sneaker ball attire theme. Tickets are available at visitrichmondva.com/rva-sports-awards.