LOS ANGELES — The biggest names in Southern California sports shared the spotlight as the Los Angeles Sports Council celebrated the region’s top performers at the 20th Annual LA Sports Awards.
The milestone event honored excellence across professional, Olympic, and community sports, recognizing both championship achievements and lasting impact beyond the field of play.
Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers was named Male Sportsperson of the Year, adding another accolade to a historic run that has redefined modern baseball. Ohtani’s dominance on the mound and at the plate, along with his role in keeping the Dodgers among baseball’s elite, made him a clear choice for the honor.
On the women’s side, Riley Tiernan of Angel City FC earned Female Sportsperson of the Year recognition after a breakout season that helped raise the profile of professional women’s soccer in Los Angeles.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was selected as Coach of the Year, honored for guiding Los Angeles through another championship-caliber campaign. Mark Walter, CEO of Guggenheim Partners and a key figure in the ownership of multiple local franchises, was named Executive of the Year for his continued leadership in shaping the city’s sports landscape.
Community impact was also a major focus of the evening. Cameron Dicker of the Los Angeles Chargers received Community Athlete of the Year honors for his work off the field. Paralympic cyclist Samantha Bosco, representing USA Cycling, was named Ready, Set, Gold! Athlete of the Year.
In education-based awards, Felix Quiñonez of Los Angeles Unified School District was recognized as Ready, Set, Gold! Teacher of the Year, while ICEF Public Schools earned Ready, Set, Gold! School of the Year for its commitment to youth development through sport and wellness.
Several legends with deep ties to the Southern California sports scene were presented with Lifetime Achievement Awards. Basketball trailblazer Cheryl Miller, iconic broadcaster Andrés Cantor, sports executive and global soccer pioneer Alan Rothenberg, and Olympic swimming champion John Naber were each honored for careers that helped shape the modern sports landscape in Los Angeles and beyond.
The Top Moment of the Year went to the Dodgers’ dramatic comeback victory in Game 7 of the World Series, a thrilling finish that stood as one of the most memorable moments in recent franchise history.
Now in its 20th year, the LA Sports Awards continue to highlight not only championships and star performances, but also the coaches, educators, executives and community leaders who make Southern California one of the most vibrant sports regions in the world.
