Nominations for these awards are open until April 18, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT

• Female High School Athlete of the Year - Eligible for all Orange County high schools competing in CIF at any division, league, or level.
• Male High School Athlete of the Year - Eligible for all Orange County high schools competing in CIF at any division, league, or level.
• Female Collegiate Athlete of the Year - Eligible for all NCAA, Junior College and NAIA collegiate athletes.
• Male Collegiate Athlete of the Year - Eligible for all NCAA, Junior College and NAIA collegiate athletes.
• Coach of the Year -  Honors a coach at the high school, collegiate level, or professional coach in Orange County.
• Rising Star Award  - Demonstrating a passion for sport, leading with kindness and looking to make an impact the award is given to an individual who is on the rise to becoming a star in their respective sport.

Honorees for these awards are selected by the OCSC Awards Committee.

• Female Professional Athlete of the Year
• Male Professional Athlete of the Year
• Legacy Award – An individual whose impact has left a legacy in the Orange County sports community.
• Community Champion - Recognizing individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the community through sports-related philanthropy.
• Icon Award
• Lifetime Achievement - Honoring a lifetime of service and dedication to sports in Orange County. 

Official Nomination Guidelines & Eligibility Requirements

OC Sports Awards 2026

Eligibility Period

All accomplishments must reflect performance during the 2025–2026 athletic season, with statistics and achievements occurring between April 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026.

Only achievements within this window will be considered by the Selection Committee.

General Eligibility

The OC Sports Awards recognize individuals who have made a meaningful impact on the Orange County sports community through excellence, leadership, and character.

Nominations apply for the categories of Male High School & Collegiate Athletes of the Year, Female High School & Collegiate Athletes of the Year, Rising Star Award, and Coach of the Year. Honorees for Legacy, Icon, Lifetime Achievement, Community Champion, and Male & Female Pro of the Year are selected by OCSC Awards Committee.

To be eligible for nomination:

• Nominees must be Orange County natives or current residents for a minimum of two (2) consecutive years.
• High School and College Athlete nominees must be current freshmen through seniors during the 2025–2026 academic year.
• All student-athletes must be in good standing with their educational institution, including academic eligibility, conduct, and attendance.
• Rising Star Award nominees must be 18 years old or under no matter the level they are currently participating at.
• Coach of the Year nominees must be actively coaching at a high school or collegiate institution within Orange County during the eligibility period.

Each nominee must embody the qualities and standards outlined within their respective award category.

Nomination Submission Requirements

• Only one (1) official nomination per candidate will be reviewed.
• Multiple submissions for the same individual do not increase the likelihood of selection.
• Self-nominations are welcomed and encouraged.
• All required fields must be completed in full.
  Incomplete submissions will not be considered under any circumstances.
• By submitting a nomination, the nominator certifies that all information provided is accurate and verifiable. The Orange County Sports Commission reserves the right to request supporting documentation.

Selection Process

All nominations are reviewed by a distinguished panel of credentialed media members and sports professionals.

Finalists will be announced in Late April 2026.
Winners will be revealed at the OC Sports Awards Gala on June 18, 2026 at Angel Stadium.

All voting decisions are final. No appeals or reconsiderations will be accepted.

Orange County Sports Commission and its affiliates reserve the sole authority regarding nominee eligibility and award determinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who may submit a nomination?

Nominations may be submitted by coaches, athletic directors, administrators, parents, teammates, community members, or the athletes themselves.

Is there an entry fee?

No. The OC Sports Awards nomination process is complimentary.

Who votes to decide the winners?

Nominations are reviewed and winners are voted on by local OC sports panel made up of the local media affiliates.

Can I nominate more than one person?

Yes. You may nominate multiple individuals across categories. However, only one submission per candidate will be reviewed.

What format should supporting materials be submitted in?

• Headshots: JPEG format
• Logos: PNG format (transparent background preferred)
• Additional documentation (statistics, resumes, press coverage): PDF preferred

Can I edit my submission after it has been submitted?

You may save and edit your submission using the "save and continue" feature on the nomination form. Take as long as you like to complete the nomination, as long as it is submitted before April 24, 2026 at 11:59 PM PDT. 

What happens if I miss the deadline?

Nominations close promptly at 11:59 PM PDT on April 24, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Where can I purchase tickets to the Gala?

Tickets for the OC Sports Awards Gala at Angel Stadium are available here. Availability is limited and the event is expected to sell out.