The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit funded by dairy farm families in the Southeast, is providing nutritional support to student-athletes competing in the 14th Annual GHSA Tommy Guillebeau Football State Championships at Mercedes-Benz Stadium from December 15–17, 2025. Throughout the championship event, the organization is distributing nutrient-rich real dairy milk from Mayfield Dairy alongside branded giveaways to participants and fans.
Joanne Engelhardt-Risko, Vice President of Strategic Marketing at The Dairy Alliance, emphasized the organization's commitment to supporting Georgia's student-athletes during their championship competitions. "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," Engelhardt-Risko stated.
The initiative is powered by the Milk's Got Game® campaign, which positions real dairy milk as an effective fuel source for the physical demands of competitive football. Laura Buxenbaum, Registered Dietitian and Vice President of Health & Wellness at The Dairy Alliance, noted that milk serves as an affordable, accessible, and nutrient-rich beverage option for athletes. "Milk, whether plain or flavored, is an affordable, easily accessible, and delicious, naturally nutrient-rich beverage to help fuel athletes for performance and recovery," Buxenbaum explained.
The partnership between The Dairy Alliance and the Georgia High School Association represents a continued collaboration focused on athlete nutrition and community support. Jorge Cimadevilla, GHSA Partnerships General Manager, expressed appreciation for the organization's contributions, stating, "Their dedication to nutrition, education, and community outreach aligns perfectly with our mission to strengthen healthy, competitive, and well-rounded athletic programs. We look forward to the continued positive impact this partnership brings to our schools and communities."
The GHSA Tommy Guillebeau Football State Championships serve as the culminating event of the high school football season, honoring the legacy of longtime GHSA Executive Director Tommy Guillebeau while celebrating the achievements of student-athletes, coaches, and communities across Georgia. This partnership extends The Dairy Alliance's broader efforts to support active communities throughout the Southeast through the Milk's Got Game® initiative.
Beyond high school athletics, The Dairy Alliance engages with collegiate athletes and participates in major community events across the region. The organization sponsors prominent races including the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race, Rock 'n' Roll Nashville, and the Cooper City Bridge Run, further extending its reach to active individuals and sports enthusiasts. These efforts reflect the organization's commitment to promoting dairy consumption and nutritional education across eight Southeastern states: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
The nutritional support provided at the championships has implications for how athletic programs approach fueling strategies for young athletes. By emphasizing milk's natural combination of protein, carbohydrates, and electrolytes, The Dairy Alliance highlights a readily available beverage option that supports both performance and recovery. This partnership demonstrates how industry-nonprofit collaborations can directly benefit student-athletes while promoting nutritional awareness. For additional information about The Dairy Alliance and its initiatives, visit https://thedairyalliance.com.
