The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit funded by dairy farm families in the Southeast, is supporting student-athletes and fans at the VHSL Basketball State Championships this week. The event, taking place March 12–14 at the VCU Siegel Center in Richmond, Virginia, will feature the organization providing real dairy milk to athletes after each game and engaging attendees with branded giveaways throughout the championships.
Through its Milk's Got Game® initiative, The Dairy Alliance will supply real dairy milk following each game to help student-athletes recover after competition. Real dairy milk delivers high-quality protein, carbohydrates, and electrolytes that help athletes refuel, rebuild muscle, and rehydrate after intense play. Maola will supply the real dairy milk for the championships, giving student-athletes a nutritious recovery option immediately following their games.
"Student-athletes perform at their best when they have the right nutrition and recovery support," said Joanne Engelhardt-Risko, Chief Marketing Officer at The Dairy Alliance. "Real dairy milk provides a powerful combination of high-quality protein, carbohydrates, and natural electrolytes that help athletes refuel and recover after competition. We're proud to support these athletes and recognize the Virginia dairy farm families who help keep them fueled."
In addition to supporting athletes, The Dairy Alliance will engage fans and families throughout the championships by distributing branded swag and sharing information about how real dairy milk supports active lifestyles. This partnership represents a significant commitment to youth athletics and nutritional education at the high school level.
"The Dairy Alliance's partnership with the VHSL reflects a shared commitment to supporting student-athletes and the schools they represent," said Ty Gafford, Executive Director of the Virginia High School League. "We appreciate them being on site during our basketball state championships to celebrate our athletes and provide chocolate milk as a recovery option after competition. Their involvement helps us deliver a first-class championship experience while reinforcing the importance of nutrition and recovery for our student-athletes."
Through partnerships like the VHSL Basketball State Championships, The Dairy Alliance strengthens connections among dairy farm families, schools, and communities across the Southeast while promoting the benefits of real dairy milk for athlete performance and recovery. The organization works diligently with dairy farmers, schools, sports teams, health professionals, local organizations, state leaders, the media, and the public to promote dairy foods and knowledge about the dairy industry across eight southeastern states.
This initiative highlights the growing recognition of proper nutrition's role in athletic performance and recovery, particularly at the youth sports level where developing healthy habits can have lifelong impacts. The partnership demonstrates how agricultural organizations can directly support community events while educating the public about nutritional science. To learn more about The Dairy Alliance, visit https://thedairyalliance.com.
