Press Releases - Department of Recreation

Montgomery County Sports Advisory Committee Calls for Nominations for Second Annual Unsung Sports Hero Award

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, October 7, 2025

The Montgomery County Sports Advisory Committee is accepting nominations for its second annual Unsung Sports Hero Award. This honor recognizes those who have made significant contributions in expanding sports participation in the County, particularly among underserved communities. 

Nominees may include organizations, athletes, coaches, officials, administrators, parents, donors, groundskeepers or anyone else whose efforts deserve recognition for making sports accessible in the County. 

"The Unsung Sports Hero Award shines a light on individuals whose dedication often goes unnoticed but whose impact is deeply felt across our communities," said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. "I encourage residents to nominate those who have made a real difference in expanding opportunities for all through sports and highlight those who break down barriers, open doors and make sports accessible to everyone."

To nominate a deserving individual or organization, submit your nomination here. The nomination period will be open until Friday, Oct. 31. 

“Youth and community sports rely on volunteers giving their time and energy for others," said Committee Chair Tom Cove. "It’s a great privilege for the Sports Advisory Committee to welcome nominations and honor awardees for their selfless service to create sports opportunities for our County residents.”

Award recipients will be selected by the Montgomery County Sports Advisory Committee and will be honored at the Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Celebration on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza. 

Last Year’s Unsung Sports Heroes 

These three outstanding individuals received the inaugural Unsung Sports Hero Award in 2025: 

• Caprina Pipion-Williams – As a dedicated coach of a Recreation Department basketball team full of elementary school girls in the UpCounty area, Pipion-Williams not only teaches basketball fundamentals and skills, but she also works to build resilience in the girls, along with confidence in themselves when facing challenges in sports, school or life. “Montgomery County is lucky to have Caprina guiding the next generation of female athletes,” a mother wrote in her nomination. 

• Muhammad Arif Wali – An extraordinary example of how a young man and recent immigrant can make an immediate and profound impact on his community through sports and mentoring, Wali has been a positive influence on the lives of hundreds of immigrant youth in the County. “Arif also provides students support with their academics, applying for college and connecting them with volunteer and employment opportunities,” shared a supporter in their nomination. Learn more about Wali’s Youth Cricket Academy program and his journey to help introduce the sport to the youth in the County on Montgomery County Recreation’s Inside Recreation podcast. 

• Brett Riley – Despite having never played sports or been on a team growing up, Riley, a special education paraeducator, volunteered to coach corollary teams at her County public school when no one else wanted to. In corollary sports, students with and without disabilities play together on the same team. “Brett’s inclusive approach allows students of all abilities to compete and enjoy sports together,” a school colleague wrote in nominating her. 

The Montgomery County Sports Advisory Committee studies sports participation and opportunities in the County and makes recommendations to the County Executive and the Montgomery County Council. 

                                           

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Release ID: 25-371
Media Contact: Monika Hammer 2404632442