Prestigious Honor: Choctaw’s Preston Albee Named Jim Thorpe High School Player of the Year in Boys Golf at Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame Ceremony
Preston Albee, a proud member of the Choctaw High School Class of 2025, has officially etched his name into Oklahoma high school sports history by being named the Jim Thorpe High School Player of the Year in Boys Golf. The prestigious award, presented by the Oklahoma Coaches Association in collaboration with the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, is one of the state’s highest honors for high school athletes. Albee received the recognition during a special awards ceremony held on June 26 at the elegant Petroleum Club Events Center in Oklahoma City, marking a night filled with celebration, emotion, and acknowledgment of extraordinary talent and dedication.
The Jim Thorpe High School Player of the Year award is named in honor of Oklahoma’s most iconic athlete, Jim Thorpe, who remains a symbol of excellence, versatility, and competitive spirit. To receive an award bearing his name is to be recognized not only for outstanding athletic achievement but also for embodying the values and legacy that Thorpe represented. Preston Albee’s stellar performance throughout his high school golf career, marked by unwavering consistency, mental fortitude, and sportsmanship, made him a deserving recipient of this high honor.
Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame President Mike James did a commendable job setting the tone for the evening, delivering a warm and enthusiastic welcome to attendees, which included athletes, coaches, families, and dignitaries from across the state. The event was infused with a sense of reverence and tradition, honoring not only the student-athletes but also the deeply rooted sports culture that thrives in Oklahoma. The invocation was delivered by John O’Dell, a 2020 inductee into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, adding a personal and spiritual touch to the ceremony that highlighted the importance of character and legacy in the world of athletics.
Sherri Coale, a revered figure in Oklahoma sports history and another Hall of Fame inductee, served as the guest speaker for the evening. Best known for her tenure as the head coach of the University of Oklahoma women’s basketball team, Coale’s message resonated deeply with the athletes in attendance. She spoke about the power of discipline, resilience, and belief in one’s potential — virtues that perfectly describe Preston Albee’s rise in the world of high school golf. Her words were not only motivational but also deeply affirming, recognizing the unseen hours of practice, the mental challenges of competition, and the sacrifices young athletes make to pursue their dreams.
The presentation of awards was handled by Todd Franz and Jason Connelly, who brought a sense of enthusiasm and dignity to the proceedings. As Albee’s name was called and he walked up to receive his award, the room responded with an ovation that captured the pride and admiration felt by all who had followed his journey. With a calm demeanor and humble smile, Albee accepted the award, his expression reflecting both gratitude and determination — a young man aware of his achievements yet focused on the future that lies ahead.
Preston Albee’s journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. Known for his laser-sharp focus on the course, his impeccable swing mechanics, and his strategic approach to the game, Albee consistently outperformed his peers in tournament play. His ability to maintain composure under pressure and his tactical understanding of different course layouts allowed him to dominate at the local and state levels. Coaches and competitors alike have praised his maturity and work ethic, often noting that Albee exhibits the poise of a seasoned professional despite his youth.
His accomplishments are not limited to his prowess with a golf club. Albee has also shown himself to be a leader among his peers, often mentoring younger teammates and setting a standard of excellence in both practice and competition. His academic achievements are equally impressive, reflecting a balanced and disciplined approach to life — one that no doubt played a role in his selection for the Jim Thorpe High School Player of the Year award.
The Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, which partnered with the Oklahoma Coaches Association to host the event, continues to be a vital institution in recognizing and preserving the legacy of great Oklahomans in sport. The Hall of Fame is a one-of-a-kind facility that not only pays tribute to Jim Thorpe but also honors hundreds of athletes who have elevated Oklahoma’s reputation on the national and international stage. Visitors to the museum can experience a rich tapestry of athletic history that showcases the enduring impact of sports in the state’s cultural fabric.
Located in Oklahoma City, the museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with free admission — making it an accessible and educational destination for sports fans, students, and families. Guided tours are available and can be booked by contacting Justin Lenhart at (405) 427-1400 x301 or via email at jlenhart@oksportshof.org. Whether one is a lifelong fan or a curious newcomer, the museum offers a compelling narrative of athletic excellence rooted in Oklahoma values.
The Oklahoma Coaches Association, which represents more than 9,750 coaches from 470 schools statewide, plays a central role in organizing events like the Jim Thorpe Awards ceremony. The association is dedicated to enhancing the professional development of coaches while also spotlighting the achievements of student-athletes and educators who contribute to the state’s rich athletic landscape. Through awards, training opportunities, and a strong community of mentorship, the OCA helps ensure that the next generation of athletes and coaches continue to grow and succeed.
Preston Albee’s recognition as the top boys’ golfer in Oklahoma is a testament to what is possible when talent meets opportunity and hard work. In many ways, he represents the best of what Oklahoma high school sports have to offer — a blend of natural ability, cultivated skill, and an unwavering commitment to improvement. For the Choctaw High School community, this honor is a moment of shared pride and celebration, reflecting the supportive environment that helped nurture Albee’s success.
Looking ahead, there is little doubt that Albee has a bright future in golf, whether he chooses to compete at the collegiate level or beyond. His name now stands beside a lineage of great Oklahoma athletes who have received the Jim Thorpe Award, placing him among an elite group whose influence often extends far beyond the confines of high school sports. With the confidence gained from this honor and the experience of being celebrated in such a prestigious setting, Albee is well-positioned to take on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
The story of Preston Albee is also a story of family, school, and community support. Behind every great athlete is a network of people who contribute in ways both big and small — parents who drive to early-morning practices, coaches who offer tough love and critical guidance, and teammates who push one another to be better every day. Albee’s journey is a reflection of all those influences, coming together in a moment of triumph that is as communal as it is individual.
As the crowd dispersed from the Petroleum Club Events Center, many no doubt left inspired by the stories they had heard and the athletes they had celebrated. The evening was not just about awards and recognition — it was about the enduring power of sport to shape lives, build character, and bring people together. For Preston Albee, the night will remain a defining milestone, one that honors everything he has achieved and signals the promise of everything yet to come.
In honoring Preston Albee, the Oklahoma Coaches Association and Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame have done more than celebrate a standout golfer — they have lifted up a young man whose story is still being written, full of hope, ambition, and purpose. As he continues his journey, he carries with him not just a trophy, but the spirit of Jim Thorpe and the enduring legacy of Oklahoma sports excellence.
