Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck and Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White will join IndyStar to celebrate Indiana’s high school athletes at a new sports award banquet April 28 at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The inaugural Indiana Sports Awards will also feature WNBA All-Star Tamika Catchings and two-time Indianapolis 500 pole winner Ed Carpenter. Other local celebrities will be announced soon.

Awards honoring the top athletes in 28 boys and girls sports will be presented during the banquet and we’ll recognize the top coach, female and male athletes of the year and the high school with the best fan experience, among others. Scores of top high school athletes and their families will walk down the red carpet and be joined by the area’s top local sports celebrities and IndyStar sports writers.

The banquet will celebrate Indiana’s great tradition of high school sports, from basketball to swimming and bowling to soccer. “The accomplishments of these young people speak for themselves and it is rewarding to see their accomplishments acknowledged,” Bobby Cox, IHSAA commissioner said.

The event will be hosted by White, coach of the Fever and a former IndyStar Miss Basketball.

“I’m excited to host this inaugural event,” said White, who played high school, college and professional basketball in Indiana.  “As a former Indiana high school athlete, I think it’s important to showcase all the great accomplishments by these athletes. It will be a great evening.”

Luck, who will be the keynote speaker, said “I’m looking forward to celebrating all the great high school athletes in Indiana.”

Athletes will be nominated for the top honor in their sport by the coaches’ associations and IndyStar sports staff. Winners will be selected by the IndyStar sports staff. IndyStar will publish the names of nominees in print and on indystar.com.

The event, which starts at 6 p.m., will include a sit-down dinner, video tributes of nominees and the announcement of Mr. and Miss Basketball. For more information, to vote on the fan award or to buy tickets, go to indystar.com/indianasportsawards.

Want to attend? 

Athletes being honored and one guest can attend for free. Athletes will be notified. A limited number of tickets are available to the public for $50. Go to indystar.com/indianasportsawards for more information or to buy tickets.