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2026 AAASP ASPIRE Awards

Sunday, September 27, 2026 at Locust Grove Event Center 280 Mose Brown Dr, Locust Grove, GA from 4-6PM

Interested in AAASP Sponsorship?

The AdaptEDSports Programs in Recreation and Education (ASPIRE) Awards honor outstanding contributions to the advancement of adapted sports nationwide. Nominees—including student-athletes, coaches, volunteers, advocates, officials, and organizations—are recommended by peers and the community and selected by the ASPIRE Awards Committee of the American Association of Adapted Sports Programs, Inc.

Each year, nominees are recognized at a formal banquet celebrating their achievements and announcing the award recipients.  

Meet Our 2026 Guest Speaker: Tasha Schuh

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Tasha Schuh is an inspirational speaker who equips youth and educators to be resilient for their mental and emotional health. The four components of her speech, PATH (Purpose, Attitude, Team, and Hope), helped Tasha be resilient after a life-changing theater accident at age 16, which left her paralyzed from the chest down. She now lives a vibrant, fulfilling life, sharing her message of PATH across the nation. Her message will empower your students and staff to build resilience to overcome life’s challenges.

To learn more about Tasha Schuh, visit her website.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR

2026 ASPIRE Award Nominees

Adapted Track & Field Athlete of the Year Award

  • Jenna Proctor Calhoun High School, Gordon County Schools
  • Laila Kindness Warner Robins High School, Houston County School District
  • Ben Vondrak Wesleyan School (Private), Peachtree Corners, GA

Coach of the Year Award – JV

  • Charles “Drew”, Freeman Muscogee Lions
  • Harlon Matthews, Georgia Storm
  • Ryan Johnson ,Clarke Classic City Dawgs

Coach of the Year Award – Varsity

  • Rachel Sprayberry, West Georgia Wolverines
  • Jaqueline Randall, Houston County Sharks
  • Kristen Harter, Peach County Rolling Trojans

Community-Based Award

  • Lakeshore Foundation Lakeshore Lakers / Lakeshore Foundation, Birmingham, AL
  • Adaptive Sports Northwest (ASNW), Portland, OR
  • Tulalip Orcas Special Olympics, Snohomish County, WA

Education-Based Award

  • Houston County School District Houston County Sharks
  • Muscogee County School District  Muscogee Lions
  • Clarke County School District Clarke Classic City Dawgs

Eli Wolff Advocacy Award

  • Jacob Couch, Kyle Pease Foundation
  • Dr. Taka Hines, Atlanta Public Schools
  • Tanya Anderson, Georgia High School Association
  • Central Georgia Car Scene, Peach County Schools
  • Dr. Alan Long, BSN Sports
  • Robert Hicks, Clarke County School District

Gail Hendrick Champion of Support Award

  • Jamie Schneller, Houston County School District
  • Samuel Gonzalez, Clayton County Public Schools
  • Russell Bentley, Houston County School District
  • Virginia and Curtis Tabron, Houston County School District
  • Kerry Whaley , Troup County Parks and Recreation
  • Greg Sullivan, Atlanta Public Schools

High School Senior Athlete Award

  • Blakelea Speer, West Georgia Wolverines
  • Randall Montanez Aguirre, Gwinnett Heat
  • Caleb Merriken, Muscogee Lions
  • Caden Nelson, Houston County Sharks
  • Anthony Cuti, Houston County Sharks

Leslie Sweatman Official of the Year Award

  • Ted Childs, Official
  • Aron Young, Official
  • Sherry Richards, Official

Media Hero Award

  • Score Atlanta/Georgia High School Daily, Atlanta, GA
  • Elaine Krivsky,  Houston County Sharks Media
  • GPB Sports, Atlanta, GA

Most Improved JV Athlete

  • Halyn Duncan, Clarke Classic City Dawgs
  • Hunter Culverson, Muscogee Lions
  • Mickelson McGraw, Muscogee Lions
  • Eli Harper, Houston County Sharks

Most Improved Varsity Athlete Award

  • Ruby Stachowski, Houston County Sharks
  • Jeremiah Rhodes, Peach County Rolling Trojans
  • Jose Aguirre, Clayton Eagles

The Dr. Ralph Swearngin Spirit of AAASP Sportsmanship Award

  • Jaden Screen, Houston County Sharks
  • Jace Tolliver, Peach County Rolling Trojans
  • Reid Peteet, Clarke Classic City Dawgs
  • Caleb Merriken, Muscogee Lions

Vaughn-Storms Founders’ Award

  • DeKalb County School District, DeKalb County School District
  • Kyle Pease, Foundation Atlanta, Georgia

Varsity Scholar Athlete Award

  • Jenna Proctor Calhoun, High School, Gordon County Schools
  • Jeremiah Rhodes, Peach County Rolling Trojans
  • Anthony Cuti, Houston County Sharks

Wheelchair Basketball Athlete of the Year Award – JV

  • Ja’Corian Carter, Georgia Storm
  • Marissa Miller, Georgia Storm
  • Cullen Minter, Muscogee Lions
  • Paul Hart, Muscogee Lions

Wheelchair Basketball Athlete of the Year Award – Varsity

  • Michael Martins, Clayton Eagles
  • Anthony Cuti, Houston County Sharks
  • Caleb Watters, Peach County Rolling Trojans

Wheelchair Football Athlete of the Year Award – JV

  • Paul Hart, Muscogee Lions
  • Caleb Merriken, Muscogee Lions
  • Lane Rogers, Clarke Classic City Dawgs
  • Cullen Minter, Muscogee Lions
  • William Hannah, Georgia Storm
  • Piper Barronton, Houston County Sharks

Wheelchair Football Athlete of the Year Award – Varsity

  • Gary Woodruff Clayton Eagles
  • Caden Nelson Houston County Sharks
  • Jordan Parks West Georgia Wolverines

Wheelchair Handball Athlete of the Year Award - JV

  • Natalynn Wakeland, Houston County Sharks
  • Lane Rogers, Clarke Classic City Dawgs
  • Paul Hart, Muscogee Lions
  • Ja'Corian Carter, Georgia Storm
  • Maggie McGraw, Muscogee Lions

Wheelchair Handball Athlete of the Award - Varsity

  • AJ Burns, Peach County Rolling Trojans
  • Marisol Madrigal, Gwinnett Heat
  • Xavier Bullock, Clayton Eagles

2026 Nominations are now closed.

Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination; we are no longer accepting new entries.

Who These Awards Honor:

*Most award categories are reserved for athletes, coaches, and volunteers involved in Georgia’s AdaptED Sports League. However, please note there are three awards open to the broader community: the Community-Based Award, the Media Hero Award, and the Eli Wolff Advocacy Award. Thank you in advance for nominating YOUR hero today!
  • ELI WOLFF ADVOCACY AWARD* (Individual or Organization) - Presented to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional efforts toward the needs and rights of individuals with disabilities.
  • EDUCATION-BASED AWARD (School or School District Program) - Presented to those groups who have demonstrated excellence and/or outstanding achievement in establishing, expanding or sustaining adapted sports programming in their school community.
  • COMMUNITY-BASED AWARD* (Group, Team or Organization (Recreation Department, YMCA, Club program, or other)  Presented to those groups who have demonstrated excellence and/or outstanding achievement in establishing, expanding or sustaining adapted sports programming in their community.
  • MEDIA HERO AWARD* (News Organization or Individual) Presented to an individual or news organization that provides conscientious coverage and visibility to AAASP’s sports leagues (should be active working media – Radio, TV, Newspaper, magazine, film writers, producers, online bloggers, anchors, etc.)
  • GAIL HENDRICK CHAMPION OF SUPPORT AWARD (Individual) Presented to an individual or organization that has demonstrated exceptional efforts in support of AAASP’s sports league.
  • OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARD (Individual) Presented to a male athlete that has demonstrated exceptional efforts and leadership qualities in the AAASP’s sports league -- one winner per sport.
  • OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARD
    (Individual) Presented to a female athlete that has demonstrated exceptional efforts and leadership qualities in the AAASP’s sports league  -- one winner per sport.
  • HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR ATHLETE AWARD (Individual) Presented to a Senior in High School that has demonstrated exceptional efforts and leadership qualities in the AAASP’s sports league.
  • COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD - JV and VARSITY (Individual) This award, voted on by the committee, will be given to an outstanding AAASP coach, coaching at the Junior Varsity and the Varsity levels.
  • LESLIE SWEATMAN OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR AWARD (Individual)
  • OUTSTANDING SCHOLAR AWARD (MALE) - VARSITY (Individual)  The outstanding scholar male athlete will be recognized at this year's event, for not only their participation and excellence on the court, but their excellence in the classroom as well.  Rigor of schedule, and grades, as well as recommendation will all be considered in selection of this year's recipient.  All athletes MUST apply to be considered, and should submit last semester's grades for consideration.
  • OUTSTANDING SCHOLAR AWARD (FEMALE) - VARSITY (Individual) The outstanding scholar female athlete will be recognized at this year's event, for not only their participation and excellence on the court, but their excellence in the classroom as well. Rigor of schedule, and grades, as well as recommendation will all be considered in selection of this year's recipient. All athletes MUST apply to be considered, and should submit last semester's grades for consideration.
  • OUTSTANDING ATHLETE (POWER CHAIR (Individual) Open only to power chair athletes (must be at least three (3) power chair users in the League annually for consideration of the award.)
  • MOST IMPROVED ATHLETE - JV and VARSITY (Individual) The most improved athlete award will be selected from the pool of candidates, and the recommendations from their coaches - demonstrating why they are the most improved.
  • DR. RALPH SWEARNGIN SPIRIT OF AAASP AWARD (Individual) This prestigious award is presented to the athlete who exemplifies exceptional sportsmanship and embodies the core values of respect, integrity, and positivity. Recognized throughout the league for their unwavering dedication to fair play, this individual consistently demonstrates grace in victory and resilience in defeat, while fostering a spirit of camaraderie and support among teammates and competitors alike.
  • AAASP ALL-STAR / ALL TOURNAMENT TEAMS* (Individuals) Voted by other teams,  these athletes will be selected and recognized for their excellence in play, in leading the team, and their sportsmanship playing in three regular seasons of play - Wheelchair Handball, Wheelchair Basketball, and Wheelchair Football.
  • VAUGHN-STORMS FOUNDERS AWARD** (Individual or Company) The Vaughn-Storms Founders' Award is the honor bestowed by the American Association of AdaptED Sports Programs (AAASP), recognizing an individual or corporation whose contributions have made a profound and enduring impact on the advancement of adapted sports. Named in honor of AAASP Co-Founders Bev Vaughn and Tommie Storms, this prestigious award celebrates those who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication, leadership, and advocacy in expanding opportunities for student-athletes with physical disabilities.

*These awards, which are earned by the athletes in each of the three seasons, and selected by their coaches throughout the year, will be recognized at the event.

**This award is selected by the AAASP Board of Directors and Staff

Become a Sponsor!

Join AAASP in Celebrating Courage, Determination, and Sportsmanship. Your sponsorship and program support makes a BIG IMPACT!
AAASP Sponsorship Application Form
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Download AAASP/ASPIRE Sponsorship Opportunities (.pdf)

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The American Association of AdaptED SPORTS Programs, Inc. (AAASP) invites you to join us a sponsor for the 2026 ASPIRE Awards, an annual event that honors outstanding student athletes with qualifying disabilities, along with the coaches, officials, and volunteers who support them. By partnering with us, your organization can shine a spotlight on your commitment to adapted sports in our community.

Your sponsorship helps us provide an unparalleled experience for young athletes and their supporters. 

Please download our AAASP/ASPIRE Sponsorship Opportunities (.pdf) information sheet for more details. 

Watch Our AAASP ASPIRE Awards Sponsorship Video 

Purchase Your ASPIRE Awards Tickets Here!

NOTE: FREE Admission for ALL 2024 ASPIRE Awards Nominees!
(1 event ticket per athlete)

Please review the ticket types shown below:

  • AAASP Member Ticket - $35.00 (For AAASP Member Schools, Families and ASPIRE Award Nominee guests)
  • AAASP Non-Member Ticket - $50.00 (For Professional, Corporate, Sponsors and all other guests)
  • Family of Four Ticket - $150 (A $50 savings before Sept. 21st)
  • Team Table Ticket - $350
  • Table Ticket- $500
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AAASP IS NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS for THE 2024 ASPIRE Awards !

NOTE: Please Click here FOR MORE INFORMATION ON NEW 2024 ASPIRE Award Nomination Categories.

Each year, ASPIRE Award winners are chosen through a peer-nomination process.

An ASPIRE Award recognizes the significant contributions of individuals and organizations that have been central to the mission of making adapted sports programming available to children with physical disabilities.

Through these programs, student athletes with physical disabilities  reap the physical, social, emotional and academic benefits of competitive athletics resulting in personal and social empowerment.

The ASPIRE Award was established to recognize those who support and advocate on behalf of adapted sports. The award showcases those who stand as role models; individuals, companies and organizations that have taken a proactive and innovative path in support of competitive sports programs for student athletes with physical disabilities.

2024 ASPIRE Award Nominations - Award Categories

1. ADVOCACY AWARD
  • Individual or organization  - Presented to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional efforts toward the needs and rights of individuals with disabilities.
2. EDUCATION-BASED AWARD
  • School or School District Program - Presented to those groups who have demonstrated excellence and/or outstanding achievement in establishing, expanding or sustaining adapted sports programming in their school community.
3. COMMUNITY-BASED AWARD
  • Group, Team or Organization (Recreation Department, YMCA, Club program, or other)  - Presented to those groups who have demonstrated excellence and/or outstanding achievement in establishing, expanding or sustaining adapted sports programming in their community.
4. MEDIA AWARD
  • News Organization or Individual - Presented to an individual or news organization that provides conscientious coverage and visibility to AAASP’s sports leagues (should be active working media – Radio, TV, Newspaper, magazine, film writers, producers, online bloggers, anchors, etc.)
5. GAIL HENDRICKS VOLUNTEERISM AWARD
  • Individual - Presented to an individual or organization that has demonstrated exceptional efforts in support of AAASP’s sports league.
6. OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARD
  • Individual - Presented to a male athlete that has demonstrated exceptional efforts and leadership qualities in the AAASP’s sports league.
7. OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARD
  • Individual - Presented to a female athlete that has demonstrated exceptional efforts and leadership qualities in the AAASP’s sports league.
8. HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR ATHLETE AWARD
  • Individual - Presented to a Senior in High School that has demonstrated exceptional efforts and leadership qualities in the AAASP’s sports league.
9. COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD
  • Individual
10. LESLIE SWEATMAN OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR AWARD
  • Individual
11. OUTSTANDING COACH - JR. VARSITY
  • Individual - This award, voted on by the committee, will be given to an outstanding AAASP coach, coaching at the Junior Varsity level
12. OUTSTANDING SCHOLAR (MALE)
  • Individual - The outstanding scholar male athlete will be recognized at this year's event, for not only their participation and excellence on the court, but their excellence in the classroom as well.  Rigor of schedule, and grades, as well as recommendation will all be considered in selection of this year's recipient.  All athletes MUST apply to be considered, and should submit last semester's grades for consideration.
13. OUTSTANDING SCHOLAR (FEMALE)
  • Individual - The outstanding scholar female athlete will be recognized at this year's event, for not only their participation and excellence on the court, but their excellence in the classroom as well.  Rigor of schedule, and grades, as well as recommendation will all be considered in selection of this year's recipient.  All athetes MUST apply to be considered, and should submit last semester's grades for consideration.
14. OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE (POWER CHAIR)
  • Individual - Open only to power chair male athletes  
15. OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE (POWER CHAIR)
  • Individual - Open only to power chair female athletes
16. MOST IMPROVED ATHLETE
  • Individual - The most improved athlete award, new this year, will be selected from the pool of candidates, and the recommendations from their coaches - demonstrating why they are the most improved.
17. LEAGUE MVP - VARSITY
  • Individual - Voted by other teams,  this athlete will be recognized for their excellence in play, in leading the team, and their sportsmanship playing at the Varsity level. 
18. LEAGUE MVP - JR. VARSITY
  • Individual - Voted by other teams,  this athlete will be recognized for their excellence in play, in leading the team, and their sportsmanship playing at the Junior Varsity level.  
19. AAASP ALL-STAR / ALL TOURNAMENT TEAMS
  • Individuals - Voted by other teams,  these athletes will be selected and recognized for their excellence in play, in leading the team, and their sportsmanship playing in three regular seasons of play - Wheelchair Handball, Wheelchair Basketball, and Wheelchair Football. 

The AAASP ASPIRE Awards HALL OF FAME:

  • Ben Vondrak, Adapted Track & Field, the Wesleyan School, Gwinnett County
  • Larry Osborne, Coach of the Year JV, Houston County School District
  • Len Boudreaux, Coach of the Year Varsity, Gwinnett County Public Schools
  • Auburn University Adapted Sports Program, Community-Based Program Award, Auburn, AL
  • National Federation of State High Schools (NFHS), Community-Based Program Award, Indianapolis, IN
  • Clayton Eagles, Education-Based Program Award, Clayton County Public Schools
  • Dr. Lionel Brown, Eli Wolff Advocacy Award, Peach County Schools
  • Mark Christmas, Eli Wolff Advocacy Award, Clayton County Public Schools
  • Marcia Edwards, Gail Hendrick Champion of Support Award, Atlanta Public Schools
  • Vincent Hamlin, Gail Hendrick Champion of Support Award, Peach County Schools
  • Jacee Hand, Heart and Hustle Award, Georgia Storm, Georgia Connections Academy, Henry County
  • Bailey McCartney, High School Senior Athlete Award, West Georgia Wolverines, Troup County School System
  • Sherry Richards, Leslie Sweatman Official of The Year Award, Macon, GA
  • Luke Hetrick, Media “Hero” Award, WSB Channel 2, Atlanta, GA
  • Elam Tyson, Most Improved Athlete Award-JV, Classic City Dawgs, Clarke County School District
  • Daniel Apuango, Most Improved Athlete Award-Varsity, Gwinnett Heat, Gwinnett County Public Schools
  • Kila-Ray Brown, Most Valuable Player Award, Clayton Eagles, Clayton County Public Schools
  • Jeremiah Hopson, Most Valuable Player Award, Gwinnett Heat, Gwinnett County Public Schools
  • Joshua Biyoyouwei, Power Chair Athlete of the Year, Gwinnett Heat, Gwinnett County Public Schools
  • Elam Tyson, Scholar Athlete of the Year – JV, Classic City Dawgs, Clarke County School District
  • Anthony Cuti, Scholar Athlete of the Year – Varsity, Houston County Sharks, Houston County School District
  • Ashlyn Stevens, Scholar Athlete of the Year – Varsity, Houston County Sharks, Houston County School District
  • Najee Smothers, Dr. Swearngin Spirit of AAASP Award, DeKalb Silver Streaks, DeKalb County School District
  • Antoine L. Craig, Vaughn-Storms Founders Award, Blind Soccer Nation, Virginia State University
  • Jeremiah Rhodes, Wheelchair Basketball Athlete of the YearJV, Peach County Rolling Trojans, Peach County Schools
  • Anthony Cuti, Wheelchair Basketball Athlete of the YearVarsity, Houston County Sharks, Houston County School District
  • Caleb Merriken, Wheelchair Football Athlete of the Year-JV, Muscogee Lions, Muscogee County School District
  • Dalton Crosby, Wheelchair Football Athlete of the Year-Varsity, Houston County Sharks, Houston County School District
  • Ruby Stachowski, Wheelchair Handball Athlete of The Year Award, Houston County Sharks, Houston County School District