Celebrating excellence
Athlete of the Year: The Dula Awards
Named in honor of Coach Shell Dula and his wife, Mary, this award celebrates the same multi-sport excellence, leadership, and integrity that defined Coach Dula’s 32-year coaching career and service to SCACA.
The Dula Athlete of the Year Awards are presented to an exceptional male and female high school athlete (SENIORS ONLY) who has demonstrated outstanding performance, leadership, and sportsmanship across multiple sports. The awards are presented at the annual Awards and Hall of Fame Banquet at the SCACA Coaches Academy. Winners will receive an award and a $500 college scholarship.
Honoring the Legacy Behind the Dula Awards
With an exemplary 32-year tenure as a head football coach, Shell Dula established a distinguished legacy of excellence, leadership, and championship success throughout South Carolina.
Over the course of his career, he amassed 253 victories. He secured six state championships—earning titles at Ninety Six High School, Union High School, and Greenwood High School—an exceptional achievement across three programs.
In recognition of his extraordinary service and lasting influence on student-athletes, Coach Dula received The Order of the Palmetto in 2009, the highest civilian honor awarded by the State of South Carolina.
Following his retirement from coaching, Shell and his wife, Mary Dula, continued their dedicated service to the athletic community by joining the South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association in 2015. Since that time, Shell has served as Executive Director, providing leadership, support, and guidance to coaches across the state.
Shell and Mary are the proud parents of one daughter and the devoted grandparents of two granddaughters, who remain the heart of their family.
Shell Dula
It is in this spirit of leadership and dedication that the SCACA proudly presents the Shell and Mary Dula Athlete of the Year Awards to outstanding senior student-athletes each year.
Recognizing Excellence Beyond the Game
Dula Athlete of the Year Award Criteria
The Dula Athlete of the Year Awards were established to honor the values that defined Coach Dula’s remarkable career—leadership, character, dedication, and excellence across multiple sports. These awards reflect the very qualities Shell and Mary have championed throughout their lives: developing well-rounded student-athletes, supporting coaches, and strengthening athletics across South Carolina.
This comprehensive set of criteria ensures that The Shell and Mary Dula Awards honor not just athletic prowess but also the holistic development and positive influence of outstanding high school athletes.
Coaches, athletic directors, and school administrators may submit nominations, which open mid-January. A committee of school staff, coaches, community members, and media professionals will review nominations and select the recipients of each award. DUE APRIL 1
The following criteria guide the selection of South Carolina’s most outstanding student-athletes:
Athletic Performance
Multi-Sport Participation: The candidate must have participated in at least two sports for multiple years.
Excellence / Versatility in Performance: Demonstrated exceptional skill, performance, and achievement in each sport, evidenced by awards, recognitions, and statistics.
Leadership
Team Leadership: Exhibited strong leadership qualities both on and off the field, such as serving as team captain or demonstrating the ability to inspire and lead teammates.
Positive Role Model: Positive role model, demonstrating integrity, responsibility, and respect for others.
Academic Performance
Academic Standing: Maintained a good academic standing with a minimum GPA requirement (3.0 or higher).
Balance: Effectively balanced academic responsibilities with athletic commitments.
Community Involvement / Character
Volunteer Work: Engaged in community service or volunteer work, contributing positively to the community.
School Spirit: Actively participated in school activities and promoted school spirit and unity.
Personal Development: Demonstrated personal growth and resilience, overcoming challenges and showing a commitment to self-improvement.
Ethical Standards: Upheld high ethical standards and displayed honesty, humility, and a strong work ethic.
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