Leslye Richmond didn’t think she had a chance to get honored at the Greater Denton Sports Commission awards banquet on Monday at UNT’s Gateway Center.

She may never be paid so much to be wrong again.

The Pilot Point volleyball, basketball and softball star was named the Female Athlete of the Year in Denton County, which includes a $1,000 scholarship.

“I feel really honored,” Richmond said. “I was so surprised. My dad was like ‘You don’t got first, honey. I’m sorry.’ They said Pilot Point and it was like ‘What?’ I was really surprised but I feel very honored and privileged. There’s so much competition.”

Richmond was one of several area athletes honored at the banquet, which featured a speech by former Dallas Cowboys receiver Drew Pearson.

Liberty Christian’s Ben Habern was voted second for Male Athlete of the Year. Liberty’s Whitney Hand was also voted second on the female side. Both will attend Oklahoma to play football and basketball, respectively.

Sanger’s Scott Shuman and Katie Crutsinger were voted third for athlete of the year. Pilot Point’s Stuart Tilley was voted fourth on the male side while Lake Dallas’ Andrea Durkin was fourth on the female side.

Flower Mound Marcus’ Jared Jacobs was named Male Athlete of the Year.

Two area basketball coaches were named High School Coach of the Year. Liberty Christian basketball coach Ken Burroughs received the honor for Girls Coach of the Year. Ponder basketball coach Doug Boxell received Boys Coach of the Year. Both won state titles this year. Neither were in attendance.

UNT swim coach Joe Dykstra was named UNT Coach of the Year after turning around the Mean Green swimming program after just two years on the job. Gymnastics coach Frank Kudlac received TWU Coach of the Year.

JEFF ANDREWS can be reached at 940-566-6873. His e-mail address is jandrews@dentonrc.com .