The 2025 Houston Sports Awards celebrated the city’s outstanding athletic achievements, with winners announced over a week-long virtual event from January 13 to 17, 2025. This format allowed for daily recognition of honorees across seven categories, enhancing community engagement and spotlighting individual accomplishments.
Athlete of the Year and Moment of the Year
Houston’s gymnastics icon, Simone Biles, was a standout, securing both Athlete of the Year and Moment of the Year. Her exceptional performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she added four medals to her collection, including her second Olympic All-Around Gold, captivated audiences worldwide and solidified her legacy in gymnastics history.
Inspiration Award
Greg Jones, a dedicated football and disabilities track coach at George Ranch High School, received the Inspiration Award. His unwavering commitment to empowering athletes with disabilities has made a profound impact, fostering inclusivity and resilience within the sports community.
Community Impact Award
The Knockout Factory, a boxing gym located in Houston’s East End, and Frank Ross, the Houston Texans’ special teams coach, were honored with the Community Impact Award. Their charitable initiatives, particularly those benefiting the homeless, have significantly contributed to the well-being of the Houston community.
High School Coach of the Year
Willie Gaston, head football coach at North Shore High School, was named High School Coach of the Year. Under his leadership, the Mustangs achieved a Top 10 national ranking, demonstrating excellence and dedication to high school athletics.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Janice McNair, co-founder and senior chair of the Houston Texans, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Over the past six decades, Mrs. McNair has profoundly influenced the Houston community through her philanthropic endeavors, focusing on education and medical research. Together with her late husband, Bob McNair, she has contributed over half a billion dollars to various charitable organizations, including The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation, the Houston Texans Foundation, and The Robert and Janice McNair Educational Foundation. Since its establishment in 2002, the Houston Texans Foundation alone has raised nearly $48 million. Mrs. McNair’s dedication to the community and her active involvement in the Houston Texans organization have solidified her legacy as a pivotal figure in Houston’s sports and philanthropic landscapes.
The 2025 Houston Sports Awards, presented by the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority, highlighted the diverse talents and contributions of the city’s sports figures. By adopting a virtual format, the event ensured that honorees received personalized recognition, celebrating their achievements in a manner that resonated with the community.
