The American Association of Adapted Sports Programs, Inc. (AAASP) is pleased to announce the recipients of the Seventh Annual ASPIRE Awards, recognizing 29 individuals and organizations across 24 categories highlighting outstanding contributions in support of student athletes with disabilities. The Adapted Sports Programs in Recreation and Education (ASPIRE) Awards celebrate those whose dedication and impact have been instrumental in furthering AAASP’s mission to expand access to adapted sports programming nationwide. The ASPIRE Awards Dinners and Celebration, held at Maggiano’s Little Italy in Atlanta, was emceed by actor, writer and television personality Patrick Cusick. The evening began with an inspiring keynote address from world record holding athlete, author, entrepreneur and adventurer Kyle Maynard, whose remarkable story captivated a full house of guests. Throughout the ceremony, nominees were recognized for their exemplary achievements, with winners in each category receiving the prestigious ASPIRE Award trophy, generously sponsored by Northside Hospital.
The 2025 ASPIRE Award Recipients are as follows:
Ben Vondrak, Adapted Track & Field, the Wesleyan School, Gwinnett County
Larry Osborne, Coach of the Year JV, Houston County School District
Len Boudreaux, Coach of the Year Varsity, Gwinnett County Public Schools
Auburn University Adapted Sports Program, Community-Based Program Award, Auburn, AL
National Federation of State High Schools (NFHS), Community-Based Program Award, Indianapolis, IN
Clayton Eagles, Education-Based Program Award, Clayton County Public Schools
Dr. Lionel Brown, Eli Wolff Advocacy Award, Peach County Schools
Mark Christmas, Eli Wolff Advocacy Award, Clayton County Public Schools
Marcia Edwards, Gail Hendrick Champion of Support Award, Atlanta Public Schools
Vincent Hamlin, Gail Hendrick Champion of Support Award, Peach County Schools
Jacee Hand, Heart and Hustle Award, Georgia Storm, Georgia Connections Academy, Henry County
Bailey McCartney, High School Senior Athlete Award, West Georgia Wolverines, Troup County School System
Sherry Richards, Leslie Sweatman Official of The Year Award, Macon, GA
Luke Hetrick, Media "Hero" Award, WSB Channel 2, Atlanta, GA
Elam Tyson, Most Improved Athlete Award-JV, Classic City Dawgs, Clarke County School District
Daniel Apuango, Most Improved Athlete Award-Varsity, Gwinnett Heat, Gwinnett County Public Schools
Kila Ray Brown, Most Valuable Player Award, Clayton Eagles, Clayton County Public Schools
Jeremiah Hopson, Most Valuable Player Award, Gwinnett Heat, Gwinnett County Public Schools
Joshua Biyoyouwei, Power Chair Athlete of the Year, Gwinnett Heat, Gwinnett County Public Schools
Elam Tyson, Scholar Athlete of the Year - JV, Classic City Dawgs, Clarke County School District
Anthony Cuti, Scholar Athlete of the Year - Varsity, Houston County Sharks, Houston County School District
Ashlyn Stevens, Scholar Athlete of the Year - Varsity, Houston County Sharks, Houston County School District
Najee Smothers, Dr. Swearngin Spirit of AAASP Award, DeKalb Silver Streaks, DeKalb County School District
Antoine L. Craig, Vaughn-Storms Founders Award, Blind Soccer Nation, Virginia State University
Jeremiah Rhodes, Wheelchair Basketball Athlete of the Year-JV, Peach County Rolling Trojans, Peach County Schools
Anthony Cuti, Wheelchair Basketball Athlete of the Year-Varsity, Houston County Sharks, Houston County School District
Caleb Merriken, Wheelchair Football Athlete of the Year-JV, Muscogee Lions, Muscogee County School District
Dalton Crosby, Wheelchair Football Athlete of the Year-Varsity, Houston County Sharks, Houston County School District
Ruby Stachowski, Wheelchair Handball Athlete of The Year Award, Houston County Sharks, Houston County School District
Another highlight of the evening was the formal renaming of the Spirit of AAASP Award in honor of Dr. Ralph Swearngin, former Executive Director of the Georgia High School Association and a long-time advocate for adapted sports in Georgia. Going forward, this distinguished recognition will be known as the Dr. Swearngin Spirit of AAASP Award, commemorating his enduring leadership and commitment to supporting adapted athletic opportunities for all students with qualifying disabilities.
“This year’s celebration was a powerful reminder of what determination, and teamwork truly mean,” said Dr. Jenny Millward, AAASP Executive Director. “Our student-athletes continue to redefine what is possible—on and off the court—through their talent, perseverance, and sportsmanship. We are equally grateful to the coaches, families, volunteers, and schools who make adapted athletics thrive.”
AAASP extends heartfelt gratitude to the 2025 ASPIRE Awards Strategic Partners and Sponsors for their unwavering support: the Georgia Department of Education, the State of Georgia Appropriations Committee, the Georgia High School Association (GHSA), the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), Northside Hospital, Eagle Sportschairs, Stout Creative, Varsity Brands, and the AAASP Board of Directors.
To view photos and highlights from this year’s celebration, visit https://adaptedsports.org/2025-aspire-awards .
