Dallas Goedert, a former standout at Britton-Hecla and a Super Bowl champion with the Philadelphia Eagles, has been recognized as South Dakota”s “Sports Celebrity” for 2025 by the South Dakota Sportswriters Association (SDSWA). This announcement comes as part of the SDSWA”s annual awards ceremony for the year.
Goedert achieved significant acclaim during the past season, contributing to the Eagles” victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, where he recorded two receptions for 27 yards. As a graduate of South Dakota State University, Goedert is currently in his eighth season with the Eagles. His impressive performance includes a touchdown in a playoff game against the Green Bay Packers and a career-high of 170 receiving yards in a regular season game against New Orleans.
As of Week 16 of the 2025 regular season, Goedert has amassed 583 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns from 57 receptions over 14 games. His 10 receiving touchdowns tie him for third-most in the NFL, and he is just two receptions away from equaling his single-season career high.
The SDSWA also honors top athletes, coaches, and teams across various categories, including independent athletes and teams. Since its inception in 1954, the SDSWA has celebrated sports excellence in South Dakota.
The following are the notable award recipients for this year:
Independent Male Athlete: Carter Sanderson from Pierre made history as the first South Dakotan drafted into the NHL when the Pittsburgh Penguins selected him with the 169th pick in the sixth round of the 2025 NHL Draft. In his rookie junior season with the Muskegon Lumberjacks, he scored five goals and provided six assists in 48 games.
Independent Female Athlete: Bergen Reilly from Sioux Falls made her mark in Nebraska volleyball, leading the Huskers to a 33-1 record and a spot in the NCAA tournament regional finals. She was recognized as an All-American and earned multiple accolades, including Big Ten Player of the Year.
Independent Team: The Rushmore Thunder boys” hockey team concluded their season with a national championship victory in the USA Hockey High School 2A tournament. Under Coach Konrad Reeder, they achieved a remarkable 30-1 record.
College Men”s Athlete: TJ Chukwurah from Black Hills State University delivered a record-breaking season, setting new benchmarks for receiving yards and touchdowns for the football program.
College Men”s Coach: Rod DeHaven led the SDSU men”s track and field and cross country teams to Summit League championships in all three seasons.
College Men”s Team: The South Dakota State wrestling team had a stellar year, finishing third at the Big 12 Championships and sending a record nine wrestlers to the NCAA Division I tournament.
College Women”s Athlete: Sylvie Zgonc from South Dakota State excelled in volleyball, earning Summit League Player of the Year honors for the second consecutive year.
College Women”s Coach: Gretta Melsted guided the Augustana softball team to a successful season, securing their fifth consecutive Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference title.
College Women”s Team: The South Dakota State basketball team achieved 30 wins, their second-best season in Division I history.
Prep Boys” Athlete: Griffen Goodbary from Sioux Falls led his team to a state championship in basketball.
Prep Boys” Coach: Paul Raasch from Castlewood secured his first state title in basketball.
Prep Boys” Team: The Philip Scotties won their fourth consecutive Class B cross country championship.
Prep Girls” Athlete: Ella Boekelheide won her third individual state title in cross country.
Prep Girls” Coach: Ronette Costain led Harrisburg to a state championship in volleyball.
Prep Girls” Team: The Bennett County girls” track and field team made history with their first state championship since 1986.
