TEMPLE, Texas — The Temple High School Athletic Department has been recognized for its service to the community with a Grant Teaff Beyond the Game Team Award, presented by the Grant Teaff Foundation. Temple High School is one of just 21 schools statewide to receive the award in recognition of the department’s community service initiatives and Temple HS Athletics will also receive a $1,000 grant in connection with the honor.
This is the first time Temple has submitted a nomination for the Grant Teaff Beyond the Game Awards and the department’s Athletic Training, Football, and Volleyball programs were recognized by the Foundation. In its nomination, the department highlighted several community service initiatives involving student-athletes, student trainers, and athletic department staff. More than 60 student-athletes and staff members participated in the City of Temple’s annual Senior Christmas Dinner. The student-athletes served meals, conversed with community members, and participated in event activities to help create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for those in attendance. This was the 14th year Temple High School athletes and staff have assisted with that event. Student-athletes and student trainers also visited a local care facility, delivering handwritten notes and socks to residents, and spending time visiting with them. Those projects are part of the Athletic Department’s focus on reinforcing a culture of service within its programs to positively impact both the community, and the student-athletes and staff who participate in those initiatives.
“It is truly an honor for our athletic department, our student-athletes, and our student trainers to be recognized by the Grant Teaff Foundation,” said Steve Prentiss, director of athletics for Temple ISD. “This recognition reflects the pride we take in serving our community and living out one of our core values – giving back. Our students understand that their impact goes far beyond competition, and they embrace opportunities to serve others with commitment and compassion. These experiences not only provide meaningful support to our community, but also help shape the character, leadership, and integrity of our athletes. We are incredibly proud of the way they represent Temple High School and our district.”
The Beyond the Game Team Awards were created to recognize servant leadership and community service initiatives by Texas high school sports teams. According to the Grant Teaff Foundation, the goal is to encourage athletes to go beyond their efforts on the field/court of play and use their platform to help serve their communities. Nominations are judged based on five different areas – a description of the community service initiatives, community impact and project outcomes, statements from those impacted, visual documentation of the service, and completeness of the entry. The judging panel includes members of the Teaff family, the Texas High School Coaches Association, and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. More than 100 schools nominated teams for the Grant Teaff Beyond the Game Awards in 2026.
“Giving back to the community is at the heart of what we do,” said Windee Skrabanek, head athletic trainer for Temple ISD. “Temple Athletic Training is proud to partner with our athletic programs to serve and support others, joining our student-athletes in volunteering both in our schools and throughout the community. Being a Temple Wildcat means showing pride in everything you do, on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. It’s about commitment, character, and representing Temple ISD with integrity. We are proud to be part of something bigger than ourselves.”
Brazoswood High School’s girls’ soccer team was named the overall winner, receiving a $5,000 grant, and recognition at the upcoming Texas Sports Hall of Fame Induction. The Grant Teaff Foundation was established in November of 2023. This is the third year that the Grant Teaff Beyond the Game Team Awards have been presented. You can learn more about the Grant Teaff Foundation here: Home - Grant Teaff Foundation.