AWARD CATEGORIES

There are 20 award categories, 14 of which are fully nominated and voted on by the public. Six award winners will be chosen by our NJ.com sports reporters. Below are descriptions of each category.

PUBLIC NOMINATIONS AND VOTE

Academic Award
Recognizes a student athlete who represents superior academic performance. This student athlete has a GPA higher than 4.00 and has participated in advanced classes in high school such as Advanced Placement (AP classes) or honors classes while participating in high school sports.

Advocacy Award
Recognizes a student athlete that has demonstrated leadership in generating awareness about existing social issues and advocating for change in their school or community. These students serve as role models for social change.

Band of the Year
Fan favorite who has developed a good relationship with the teams, fans and communities and who brings excitement and energy to the games. The Band of the Year can have a major impact on their sport, and/or community, and should have performances, that are considered memorable.

Best Athlete with a Disability
Recognizes a student athlete who pursues their athletic ambitions despite a physical or mental disability as defined by the ADA.

Best Game Day Supporter(s)
Team mascots, parent-run booster clubs and student fan sections are all contributors to a team's success. These supporters often boost morale and team spirit, uphold school traditions and customs, and raise funds to support the school's athletic teams. The best gameday supporters can develop a good relationship with the teams, fellow fans and communities and bring excitement and energy to the games.

Cheer Team of the Year
Fan favorite who has developed a good relationship with the teams, fans and communities and who brings excitement and energy to the games. The Cheer Team of the Year can have a major impact on their sport, and/or community, and should have performances, that are considered memorable.

Coaching Leadership Award
Recognize coaches who have served as positive role models in their schools and communities.

Comeback of the Year
Recognizes a student athlete who has shown perseverance in overcoming a severe injury or illness.

Dance Team of the Year
Fan favorite who has developed a good relationship with the teams, fans and communities and who brings excitement and energy to the games. The Dance Team of the Year can have a major impact on their sport, and/or community, and should have performances, that are considered memorable.

Entrepreneur Award
Recognizes a student athlete with an entrepreneurial mind who is currently or working toward aspirations to growing a business. This can include a business that is online, on social media or in person.

Service Award
Recognizes the contribution of a student athlete who has dedicated time to community service or volunteering in their community or school.

Team Manager of the Year
Recognizes the team manager who goes above and beyond to support their coach and team, are always a positive presence to the team, providing encouragement and support, and represent their team and school to the highest standards, on and off the court/field.

Teammate of the Year
Recognizes a player that demonstrates the inclusion, supportive spirit and strength of character that are vital to their team’s success. They respect their teams, other teams, coaches, and officials. This student athlete plays and acts with the highest integrity and ethical conduct and is considered a leader.

Unsung Hero Award
Recognizes the accomplishments of student athletes who help their teams achieve success or make changes in ways that may not be measured statistically in goals, saves or ground balls. This person works hard in the background to make things happen and makes a significant contribution to the team.

SPORTS REPORTERS' PICKS

Breakthrough Female Athlete of the Year

Breakthrough Male Athlete of the Year

Overall Female Athlete of the Year

Overall Female Team of the Year

Overall Male Athlete of the Year

Overall Male Team of the Year