Submitted by Experience Olympia & Beyond
The Olympia & Beyond Sports Commission, a division of Experience Olympia & Beyond, in partnership with Olympia Orthopaedic Associates, presents the eighth annual Sports Awards. The awards recognize local athletes, coaches, and game-changers in our community.
Community members can nominate high school, collegiate, and recreational athletes or coaches for one of seven awards. Sports community leaders and influencers are also eligible for awards.
“This event celebrates the dedication and accomplishments of our local athletes, coaches, and organizers who are the heart of Thurston County’s sports community,” said Sue Falash, Board President of Experience Olympia & Beyond. “We take great pride in the Sports Commission’s role in supporting local talent and strengthening our region’s reputation as a hub for sports and competition.”
Nominations are open until May 12, 2025, and can be submitted online.
Winners are selected each year by the Sports Commission Advisory Committee, which is comprised of individuals who have ties to the local sports community. All nominees and winners will be recognized at a banquet in June.
The 2025 Sports Awards:
Collegiate Sports Star of the Year — Women’s Sports
Collegiate Sports Star of the Year — Men’s Sports
Nominees must have been enrolled in a full-time Thurston County college for the 2024-2025 academic year, or be a native to Thurston County. Nominees must also have participated for a minimum of one year in at least one collegiate sport, and exemplify strong leadership, dedication and sportsmanship with good school behavior.
High School Sports Star of the Year – Girl’s Sports
High School Sports Star of the Year – Boy’s Sports
Nominees must have been enrolled full-time in a Thurston County high school program during the 2024-2025 academic year. Nominees must have participated for a minimum of one season in at least one organized sport (high school, club, etc.), and exemplify strong leadership, dedication, and sportsmanship with good school behavior.
Sports Contributor of the Year
Nominees are passionate about the growth and success of sports in Thurston County. Nominees could be coaches, persons affiliated with nonprofit organizations, individuals, or major monetary donors to sports initiatives that serve to increase or improve sports access in Thurston County. Nominees must have demonstrated commitment to sports during the 2024-2025 academic year. Open to all ages.
Nominees can be a team or individual that has achieved local, regional or national recognition for a sports moment that occurred during the 2024-2025 academic year. Nominations should highlight an inspiring story, or an outstanding achievement by either a team or individual having ties to Thurston County.
Nominees must be an individual (five years removed from High School) who has resided in Thurston County for a minimum of five years and is passionate about the growth and success of sports in Thurston County. The nominee must have maintained and continue to maintain ties to Thurston County through philanthropic events, volunteer activity or financial donations to support sports in the community. Nominees will have had a significant impact in the Thurston County sports community (prior or current collegiate or professional sports players may be included).
To celebrate the incredible athletes across Thurston County, individuals who have won an award in the past two years are not eligible to receive the same award this year, allowing us to recognize all outstanding talent in Thurston County. For more information, please visit the Sports Awards page.
