The Dairy Alliance Partners with GHSA to Fuel Student-Athletes at Football Championships

The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit funded by dairy farm families in the Southeast, is providing nutrient-rich real dairy milk to student-athletes competing in the 14th Annual GHSA Tommy Guillebeau Football State Championships at Mercedes-Benz Stadium from December 15-17, 2025. This partnership represents a strategic effort to position dairy milk as essential athletic fuel while supporting Georgia's high school sports programs.

"We proudly support student-athletes across Georgia as they compete on Georgia's biggest stage," said Joanne Engelhardt-Risko, Vice President of Strategic Marketing at The Dairy Alliance. "Real dairy milk provides complete high-quality protein for muscle recovery, carbohydrates for energy replenishment, and natural electrolytes that support hydration, helping these Georgia athletes perform and recover at every stage of the game."

This initiative is powered by the Milk's Got Game® campaign, which The Dairy Alliance uses to showcase real dairy milk as effective fuel for the physical demands of championship football. According to Laura Buxenbaum, Registered Dietitian and Vice President of Health & Wellness at The Dairy Alliance, milk represents an affordable, accessible, and naturally nutrient-rich beverage option for athletes. The organization will distribute milk from Mayfield Dairy along with branded giveaways throughout the championship event.

The Georgia High School Association has emphasized the alignment between this partnership and its educational mission. "The GHSA proudly continues its partnership with The Dairy Alliance to support student-athletes across Georgia," said Jorge Cimadevilla, GHSA Partnerships General Manager. "Their dedication to nutrition, education, and community outreach aligns perfectly with our mission to strengthen healthy, competitive, and well-rounded athletic programs."

This championship event honors the legacy of longtime GHSA Executive Director Tommy Guillebeau while celebrating student-athletes, coaches, and communities across Georgia. The Dairy Alliance's involvement extends beyond this single event, with the organization supporting active communities throughout the Southeast via the Milk's Got Game® program. Additional partnerships include sponsorships of major athletic events such as the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race, Rock 'n' Roll Nashville, and the Cooper City Bridge Run.

The nutritional messaging around dairy milk comes at a time when athletes and coaches increasingly focus on science-backed recovery strategies. Complete protein sources like those found in dairy milk have gained attention for their role in muscle repair, while the natural electrolytes in milk offer hydration benefits comparable to many sports drinks. For more information about The Dairy Alliance and their nutritional initiatives, visit https://thedairyalliance.com.

This partnership demonstrates how agricultural organizations are engaging directly with athletic communities to promote their products' health benefits. As nutritional science continues to evolve, such collaborations between food producers and sports organizations may become increasingly common, potentially influencing both consumer perceptions and athlete fueling strategies across multiple sports disciplines.