The stage is set for Milwaukee's brightest young stars! The 2025-26 Milwaukee High School Sports Awards, presented by Piggly Wiggly, have officially unveiled the nominees for Winter Player of the Year. These athletes have dominated the courts, rinks, and mats all season, and now their hard work is being recognized on one of the area's biggest stages.
The winners for each winter sport will be crowned during the highly anticipated live show on June 15 at the Brookfield Conference Center. This celebratory event will honor not only these winter standouts but also the Player of the Year nominees and winners from the fall and spring seasons, creating a night that celebrates a full year of incredible high school athletics.
Beyond the individual sport awards, the evening will also feature the announcement of premier honors, including Boys and Girls Athlete of the Year, Boys and Girls Team of the Year, Coach of the Year, and the prestigious Courage Award. It's the ultimate celebration of dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship in the Milwaukee area.
Nominated athletes who RSVP for the event will receive a complimentary ticket thanks to the program's sponsors, with additional tickets available for purchase. This event is a cornerstone of the USA TODAY High School Sports Awards, highlighting the future of sports right here in our community.
Let's meet the winter nominees, a group of talented individuals whose performances have captivated fans and earned them this distinguished honor:
Jessiah Collins, Milwaukee Hamilton High School, JR
Gabi Ortiz Fleet, University School Of Milwaukee (Upper School), SR
Mackenzie Gruszynski, Hartford Union High School, SR
Riley Strube, West Allis Nathan Hale High School, JR
Tyler Cook, University School Of Milwaukee (Upper School), SR
Everett Waltersdorf, University School Of Milwaukee (Upper School), JR
Valley Lindemann, University School Of Milwaukee (Upper School), FR
Esmè Loomans, University School Of Milwaukee (Upper School), SO
McAllister Ramage, Lake Country Lutheran High School, SR
Terryn McBride, Rufus King International High School, SR
Amelia Poplawski, New Berlin Eisenhower High School, SR