History
The Florida Dairy Farmers (FDF) High School Sports Awards were created in 1971 to recognize the outstanding achievements of studentathletes across the state. The program was founded by the dairy industrys desire to promote healthy living, community involvement, and academic dedication among young Floridians. Over the decades the awards have grown to encompass dozens of sports, both team and individual, and they now represent one of the longeststanding highschool athletic honors in the region.
Originally limited to football and basketball, the program quickly expanded to include track & field, baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer, wrestling, and emerging sports such as lacrosse and swimming. In recent years, categories for academic excellence, sportsmanship, and community service have been added, reflecting the organizations broader mission to develop wellrounded citizens.
Award Categories
- StudentAthlete of the Year The top male and female athletes across all sports.
- Coach of the Year Recognizes the coach who has demonstrated exceptional leadership.
- Team of the Year Honors a highschool team that achieved outstanding success.
- Academic AllStar Given to athletes who maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA while excelling in their sport.
- Sportsmanship Award Highlights athletes who exemplify respect, integrity, and fair play.
- Community Service Award Rewards athletes who have made a significant impact through volunteer work.
- Individual Sport Awards Separate recognitions for each sport (e.g., Football Player of the Year, Girls Soccer Player of the Year, etc.).
Nomination & Selection Process
Schools nominate candidates through their athletic directors. Each nomination packet must include:
- A completed nomination form.
- Statistical summaries and highlights from the current season.
- Academic transcripts or a GPA verification.
- Two letters of recommendation one from a coach and one from a teacher or community leader.
- Evidence of community involvement (e.g., volunteer logs, project descriptions).
Once submitted, a statewide committee composed of former award winners, FDF representatives, and educators reviews the materials. The committee meets in March, narrows the pool to finalists, and announces the winners at a gala ceremony held in June.
Recent Recipients (20232024)
| Award | Recipient | School | Sport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male StudentAthlete of the Year | Jackson Rivera | Miami Lakes High | Football |
| Female StudentAthlete of the Year | Sophia Martinez | St. Petersburg Catholic | Track & Field |
| Coach of the Year | Coach Hannah Lee | Gainesville High | Girls Soccer |
| Team of the Year | Naples High Basketball | Naples High | Basketball |
| Academic AllStar | Christopher Nguyen | Westside High | Baseball |
| Sportsmanship Award | Emily Carter | Fort Lauderdale High | Volleyball |
| Community Service Award | Rashida Ahmed | Lakewood High | Softball |
Each winner receives a plaque, a scholarship stipend (ranging from $1,000 to $3,000), and an invitation to the annual FDF gala. Their stories are highlighted on the Florida Dairy Farmers website and shared with local media to inspire the next generation of studentathletes.
Gallery
Contact & More Information
For nomination forms, deadlines, and detailed eligibility criteria, please visit the official Florida Dairy Farmers website or contact the awards coordinator:
- Email: awards@floridadairyfarmers.com
- Phone: (877) 5551234
- Mailing address: Florida Dairy Farmers, 5000 Dairy Lane, Tallahassee, FL 32301
