News Summary

The 2025 AIA Night of Champions celebrated standout local athletes and coaches in Phoenix. Coach Monty was named Coach of the Year, and Shelby O’Donnall earned the Student Leadership Award, while Basha High School won the School Spirit Award. The event highlighted the importance of sportsmanship, community, and lifelong friendships cultivated through athletics. With inspiring figures like Monty and O’Donnall, the future of Arizona’s sports scene looks bright.

Local Athletes and Coaches Shine at the 2025 AIA Night of Champions Event

This past May 18, the charming Phoenix landscape was buzzing with excitement as the annual Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) Night of Champions took center stage at The Vista Center for the Arts. This event is always a fantastic opportunity to put the spotlight on the remarkable achievements of local student athletes, coaches, and programs across Arizona. From honoring athletic prowess to acknowledging academic excellence and leadership skills, the Night of Champions encapsulated the spirit of what it means to be part of a team.

Celebrating Excellence in Sports and Leadership

Among the stars of the night was David “Coach Monty” Montgomery, the renowned cross country coach from Highland High School, who was bestowed with the prestigious title of 2025 Coach of the Year. With over three decades of dedication to coaching, Montgomery has created a culture of excellence and service that has left a positive mark on the lives of countless students. His focus on building strong team rapport and relationships among the athletes speaks volumes about his impactful coaching philosophy. Coach Monty expressed sincere gratitude towards his family and school administrators for the unwavering support throughout his journey.

Brilliant Achievements in the Athlete Community

The heroes of the night weren’t just the coaches. One standout was Shelby O’Donnall, a softball sensation at Arizona College Prep (ACP), who took home the highly coveted AIA Student Leadership Award. O’Donnall’s remarkable contributions both on and off the field earned her a well-deserved $1,000 scholarship. Her inspiring impact in her community and school has made her a touchstone for aspiring athletes.

Meanwhile, Basha High School showcased an electrifying atmosphere, winning the School Spirit Award. The tremendous energy, pride, and culture fostered by the students and staff made them an undeniable champion of school spirit. Isn’t that what it’s all about? Growing together and supporting each other every step of the way!

Rising Stars of Tomorrow

Also shining bright was Brady Dillworth, a four-sport athlete from ACP, who snagged the Boys Scholar Athlete Award. Not only is Dillworth a master of multiple sports, he is also a black belt in taekwondo and a proud recipient of the National Football Foundation Award. His humble nature is reflected in his heartfelt appreciation for the support that has fueled his academic and athletic pursuits.

Lucky for the competitors at Williams Field High School, they too had a shining star in their ranks. Kendal Bonjour, a cross country standout, was awarded the esteemed Better Business Bureau Ethical Athlete Award along with a stunning $2,500 scholarship. Bonjour’s ambition to continue her education at Texas Christian University has been motivated by her passions both in and out of the classroom. What a beautiful reminder of how hard work pays off!

Wrapping Up a Memorable Evening

No doubt, the AIA Night of Champions brought forth countless stories of grit, determination, and camaraderie! In a world that often seems focused solely on victories, this event was a refreshing reminder of the greater values—team culture, strong relationships, and lifelong friendships that emerge through sports.

As the audience celebrated the remarkable accomplishments of these local athletes and coaches, it became abundantly clear that the drive to excel is motivated by so much more than just winning. With role models like Coach Monty, Shelby, Brady, and Kendal in the community, the future looks promising for Arizona’s young athletes. Cheers to those who work hard and play harder!

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