Piedmont celebrated its annual Highlander Awards on May 14, recognizing outstanding athletes, coaches, and teams from the 2025-2026 season. Brian Gardere received Coach of the Year for leading girls basketball to a 22-5 record. Andrea Martin and Lucas Smolko were named WACC Players of the Year for girls basketball and tennis, respectively. Female Athlete of the Year went to Martin, while Male Athlete of the Year was awarded to Dillon Casey, who expressed gratitude for his basketball journey. The event highlighted various achievements across different sports, reinforcing team spirit and individual accomplishments.

By the Numbers
  • Boys basketball and boys’ track and field were named Male Team of the Year.
  • Girls basketball received the Female Team of the Year award.
  • Overall, Gardere led girls basketball to a season record of 22-5.
  • Martin was awarded Female Athlete of the Year among a pool of three nominees.
  • Dillon Casey won Male Athlete of the Year from a nomination list of eight seniors and juniors.
State of Play
  • The Highlander Awards serve as a platform to honor athletes’ efforts and achievements for the season.
  • A range of awards such as Newcomers of the Year and Team Legacy awards recognize emerging talent and longstanding excellence.
  • Both individual and team awards were shaped by votes from the student body, enhancing community engagement.
What's Next

Looking ahead, recipients are likely to build on their successes in future seasons, with emerging talents such as Martin and Casey potentially taking their skills to collegiate athletics. The accolades may also inspire younger players to strive for excellence. Expect a greater focus on teamwork and development in upcoming athletic programs.

Bottom Line

The Highlander Awards not only honor past performances but also set a precedent for future sporting excellence at Piedmont. The recognition given encourages continued growth and camaraderie among the student-athletes, fostering a healthy competitive environment.