2026 Community Awards Finalists

Male Athlete of the Year
Awarded to a male athlete who has demonstrated exceptional performance and sportsmanship in national and/or international competition. Consideration includes competition results, consistency, leadership, and overall contribution to the sport.

Vote Now for Male Athlete of the Year

Female Athlete of the Year
Awarded to a female athlete who has demonstrated exceptional performance and sportsmanship in national and/or international competition. Consideration includes competition results, consistency, leadership, and overall contribution to the sport.

Vote Now for Female Athlete of the Year

Para Male Athlete of the Year
Recognizes an adaptive male athlete whose achievements, perseverance, and impact have elevated para climbing within the USA Climbing community. Performance, progress, and advocacy are all considered.

Vote Now for Para Male Athlete of the Year

Para Female Athlete of the Year
Recognizes an adaptive female athlete whose achievements, perseverance, and impact have elevated para climbing within the USA Climbing community. Performance, progress, and advocacy are all considered.

Vote Now for Para Female Athlete of the Year

Male Youth Athlete of the Year
Awarded to a male youth athlete who has demonstrated outstanding performance, dedication, and sportsmanship throughout the season. Consideration includes competition results, growth, leadership, and positive impact within the climbing community.

Vote Now for Male Youth Athlete of the Year

Female Youth Athlete of the Year
Awarded to a female youth athlete who has demonstrated outstanding performance, dedication, and sportsmanship throughout the season. Consideration includes competition results, growth, leadership, and positive impact within the climbing community.

Vote Now for Female Youth Athlete of the Year

Coach of the Year
Awarded to a coach who has made a significant impact on athlete development, team culture, and the broader climbing community. Considerations include athlete success, mentorship, innovation, and leadership.

Vote Now for Coach of the Year

Routesetter of the Year
Honors a routesetter who has elevated the athlete and spectator experience through creativity, fairness, and technical excellence. May include competition routesetting or impactful work in the commercial/gym setting that supports the sport.

Vote Now for Routesetter of the Year

Volunteer of the Year
Recognizes an individual whose time, energy, and commitment have meaningfully advanced USA Climbing’s mission. This award honors those who serve selflessly at competitions, in the community, or behind the scenes.

Vote Now for Volunteer of the Year

Collegiate Team of the Year
Recognizes a collegiate climbing team that has demonstrated exceptional performance, leadership, and community throughout the season. Consideration includes competitive success, team culture, sportsmanship, and contributions to the growth of collegiate climbing.

Vote Now for Collegiate Team of the Year

Youth Team of the Year
Honors a youth climbing team that has exemplified excellence both on and off the wall through athletic achievement, teamwork, and positive community impact. Consideration includes competition results, athlete development, inclusivity, and team culture.

Vote Now for Youth Team of the Year

Fair Play Award
Recognizes an athlete, coach, volunteer, or community member who exemplifies integrity, respect, and sportsmanship within the climbing community. This award honors those who lead by example through fairness, positivity, and support for others both in and out of competition.

Vote Now for Fair Play Award

Partner Gym of the Year
Recognizes a member gym that has meaningfully supported USA Climbing’s mission through its programming, athlete development, and service to the local climbing community. This includes support for competitions, member and youth development, inclusivity, and contributions to the growth of the sport.

Vote Now for Partner Gym of the Year

2026 Awards Timeline
July 1-31: Nomination period
August 14 – September 1: Voting period
September 10: Recipients announced and notified
October 16-18: Awards Celebration at Boulder World Climbing Series

Community Award Process
Step 1: Nomination
USA Climbing members, staff, and donors are invited to submit nominations recognizing individuals and teams who have made a meaningful impact on the climbing community. Multiple nominations may be submitted, and nominees may be considered for more than one award category.

Step 2: Voting
USA Climbing members, staff, and donors vote to help determine award recipients. Voting recognizes individuals and teams who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, sportsmanship, and community impact throughout the year.

Step 3: Recognition
Award recipients are celebrated during the USA Climbing Foundation Awards Celebration.