The 2026 Cincinnati High School Sports Awards will celebrate outstanding achievements in local athletics on June 16, at Princeton High School. Key award categories include the Courage Awards, Beacon Comeback Player of the Year, and top athlete/team awards. Finalists and winners will receive recognition through a more streamlined ceremony, ensuring personal attention for each honoree. Outstanding stories of resilience include athletes overcoming personal tragedies and significant challenges. The event, featuring speakers and presentations, is open to the public while winners must RSVP.

By the Numbers
  • Six Courage Awards will be presented to athletes demonstrating exceptional resilience.
  • The ceremony starts at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m. for a reception.
State of Play
  • The format for this year's awards focuses on personal attention to honorees.
  • Spring award winners will be announced in the first week of June.
What's Next

The Cincinnati Enquirer will continue announcing spring nominees and winners throughout early June, highlighting achievements across various sports categories, including baseball, softball, and track and field.

Bottom Line

The 2026 Cincinnati High School Sports Awards aim to recognize not just athletic talent but the inspiring stories of perseverance and community engagement among local youth athletes, reinforcing the value of resilience in sports.