The Varsity Maine Awards is the premier event celebrating high school athletes across the State of Maine. Bringing together athletes, their families, coaches, administrators and communities, the VMEAs are a high-energy “ESPY-style” celebration recognizing the achievements of athletes beyond the scoreboard.

The 3^rd annual VMEAs will be held on June 26^th at Hannaford Hall of USM’s Portland Campus where winners will be announced. Red Carpet arrivals begin at 6 p.m. and the awards show is at 7 p.m.

Based on their coverage of thousands of games across the state, the Varsity Maine sports writers choose finalists for 12 award categories, including Female Athlete of the Year, Male Athlete of the Year, Play of the Year and Beyond the Box Score. The show is truly a statewide event. Last year the range of finalists stretched from Fryeburg to Vinalhaven, and from York to Rangeley.

Here are the finalists in 11 of the 12 award categories. We’ll announce finalists for the last category – Spring Team of the Year – on June 19.

FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Kolleen Bouchard, Houlton; Anna DeWolfe, Greely; Emma Gallant, Cheverus; Juliana Sesler, South Portland; Ally Turner, Messalonskee.

MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Jarett Flaker, Scarborough; Ryan Fredette, Winslow; Terion Moss, Portland; Grant Hartley, Edward Little; Cayden Spencer-Thompson, Mattanawcook Academy.

COACH OF THE YEAR (BOYS’ TEAM)

Mike Adams, Edward Little; Jamie Belleau, Lewiston; Garrett Martin, Lincoln Academy; Matt Rix, Marshwood; Mike Rutherford, Portland.

COACH OF THE YEAR (GIRLS’ TEAM)

Annie Barker, Kennebunk; Chris Cifelli, Edward Little; Paula Doughty, Skowhegan; Tom Griffin, Scarborough; Bob Morse, Yarmouth.

VIDEO CLIP OF THE YEAR

Biddeford boys’ basketball playoff buzzer-beater; Madison Post’s anchor leg for Gray-New Gloucester at WMC indoor track meet; MCI scores touchdown from wildcat formation at state title game; Westbrook field hockey wins in overtime; Windham’s Mike Gilman hits go-ahead basket in playoff upset of Portland.

THE FAB FRESHMAN

Emily Archibald, Kennebunk; Camille Clement, Greely; Ryan Friend, MCI; Sofie Matson, Falmouth; Rylee Sevigny, Mountain Valley.

FEMALE ACADEMIC ACE

Jess Brown, Portland; Morgan Fenderson, Lisbon; Michaela Jordan, Cheverus; Hallie Schwartzman, Kennebunk; Erin Venard, Mt. Ararat.

MALE ACADEMIC ACE

Austin Baron, Ellsworth; Jack Bryant, Falmouth; William Carrolton, Morse; Joshua Roberts, Thornton Academy; Cole Smith, Messalonskee.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

Kolton Brochu, Gardiner; Jerome Criado, Biddeford; Cam King, Portland; Mackenzie Johnston, Cheverus; Jake Warn, Winslow.

FALL TEAM OF THE YEAR

Camden Hills girls’ soccer, Cape Elizabeth volleyball, Scarborough football, St. Dom’s field hockey, Yarmouth girls’ soccer.

WINTER TEAM OF THE YEAR

Cony girls’ swimming, Edward Little boys’ basketball, Edward Little girls’ basketball, Greely girls’ hockey, Marshwood wrestling.