In 2020, USA Climbing introduced our Annual Awards and Recognition Program. These awards are designed to honor individuals, teams, facilities, and events that stand out in the USA Climbing Community each year. Honorees are selected in several categories through a nomination process. Please click the award link to find the recipient requirements and begin the award nomination process. All applications will be reviewed by a national selection panel.

Athlete of the Year
This award is for USA Climbing Competitive, Para-climbing, collegiate and/or Introductory members that has been an outstanding teammate to their peers during the 2019-2020 season. Awards will be given in three categories: competitive/introductory athletes, collegiate athletes, and para-climbing athletes.

Teammate of the Year
This award is for USA Climbing Competitive, Para-climbing, collegiate  and/or Introductory members that has been an outstanding athletes during the 2019-2020 season. While results certainly can factor into their standing for this award, other things such as competitive improvement, event attendance, etc. can be considered. Awards will be given in three categories: competitive/introductory athletes, collegiate athletes, and para-climbing athletes.

Team of the Year
This award is for USA Climbing teams that have exhibited excellence in the 2019-2020 season.

Coach of the Year
This award is for USA Climbing Level 1 or 2 Coach members that have exhibited excellence in coaching during the 2019-2020 season.

Routesetter of the Year
This award is for Level 1-5 USA Climbing Routesetter members that have exhibited excellence in routesetting during the 2019-2020 season.

Volunteer of the Year
This award is for local, regional, and national volunteers that have gone above and beyond in their climbing community.

Distinguished Service Award
This award is for individuals that have provided service, leadership, and inspiration to the USA Climbing community. Nominees should have exhibited a commitment to the advancement of climbing in the United States. Multiple recipients can receive this award.

Gym/Facility of the Year
This award is for USA Climbing Gym Members that have exhibited excellence in the 2019-2020 season.

Event of the Year
This award is for USA Climbing sanctioned events hosted by a Gym/Team that have hosted a local, regional, or divisional event during the 2020-2021 season.

USA Climbing is proud to announce the recipients of the 2020 USA Climbing Community Awards. These awards are designed to honor individuals, teams, facilities, and events that stand out in the USA Climbing community each year. Hundreds of nominations were received and reviewed by USA Climbing staff, committee members, and volunteers.

“The Community Award winners are members of our local communities and range from youth competitors to seasoned volunteers,” said Bruce Mitchell, President of USA Climbing’s Board of Directors. “In a year where we faced immense challenges and our community had to come up with creative ways to keep climbing, we are grateful for the continued commitment of our members to push the sport forward.”

Athletes of the Year: Lauren Bair, Ben Hanna, and Ben Mayforth
Teammate of the Year: Emma Grace Lehmann
Coach of the Year: Ray Ferlazzo
Team of the Year: Team Texas
Event of the Year: Pan-American Championships – Sender One LAX
Gym of the Year: Bend Rock Gym
Routesetter of the Year: Joey Jannsen
Volunteers of the Year: Matt Ornes & Tab Stephens
Distinguished Service Award:Chris Danielson, Patti Rube, and Claudiu Vidulescu

A full description of each award recipient can be found here.

A call for nominations for the 2021 Community Awards will go out summer of 2021. For questions, please reach out to Rebecca Ingraham, USA Climbing Education Manager, at Rebecca@usaclimbing.org.