The Dairy Alliance Supports Student-Athletes at the VHSL Basketball State Championships

Provides real dairy milk for recovery and engages fans throughout championship weekend

Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:33am

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The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit funded by dairy farm families in the Southeast, will support student-athletes and fans at the VHSL Basketball State Championships in Richmond, Virginia. The organization will provide real dairy milk to student-athletes after each game to help them recover, and engage attendees with branded giveaways throughout the event.

Why it matters

The Dairy Alliance's partnership with the VHSL reflects a shared commitment to supporting student-athletes and the schools they represent. By providing real dairy milk as a nutritious recovery option, the organization is helping fuel the performance and recovery of these young athletes.

The details

Through its Milk's Got Game® initiative, The Dairy Alliance will provide 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. 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.

  • The VHSL Basketball State Championships will take place from March 12-14, 2026 at the VCU Siegel Center in Richmond, Virginia.

The players

The Dairy Alliance

A nonprofit funded by dairy farm families in the Southeast that works to promote dairy foods and knowledge about the dairy industry.

Joanne Engelhardt-Risko

Chief Marketing Officer at The Dairy Alliance.

Ty Gafford

Executive Director of the Virginia High School League.

Maola

The dairy brand that will supply real dairy milk for the championships.

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What they’re saying

“Student-athletes perform at their best when they have the right nutrition and recovery support. 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.”

— Joanne Engelhardt-Risko, Chief Marketing Officer at The Dairy Alliance

“The Dairy Alliance's partnership with the VHSL reflects a shared commitment to supporting student-athletes and the schools they represent. 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.”

— Ty Gafford, Executive Director of the Virginia High School League

What’s next

The Dairy Alliance will continue to support student-athletes and engage fans throughout the VHSL Basketball State Championships from March 12-14, 2026.

The takeaway

By providing real dairy milk as a nutritious recovery option for student-athletes, The Dairy Alliance is helping fuel the performance and recovery of young athletes while strengthening connections between dairy farm families, schools, and communities across the Southeast.