The North Dakota High School Coaches Association (NDHSCA) Powerade Senior Athlete of the Year award began in the 1995 season. The awarded is voted on by the coaches at the state meet. Athletes must meet the following criteria in order to be placed on the ballot. 

• Is a Senior in good academic standing and enrolled in an NDHSAA school.

• Competes for a high school varsity team during the respective sport season

• Displays exceptional skills in the respective sport during the athlete’s Senior season. If Senior nominees are close in comparison, the career stats may be taken into consideration for determining the recipient.

• Displays exceptional sportsmanship during the Senior season.

• Display leadership qualities and commendable citizenship during the Senior season.

• Has not committed an NDHSAA Training Rule Violation after July 31 of the current school year.  

• Has not been suspended from the respective team or school after July 31 of the current school year.

• Has not served a suspension from the respective athletic team or school after July 31 of the current school year.

• Must have one event where an all state standard was achieved or won their respective region's (WDA or EDC) Senior Athlete of the Year Award.