Langley equestrian Haley Stradling will be up for a major award on March 7.

She is among the three nominees for Junior Female Athlete of the Year at the upcoming Athlete of the Year Awards, founded by Sport BC.

On Thursday, Jan. 10, the outstanding amateur athletes, coaches and officials were named as finalists for 13 of the 17 award categories to be presented.

The awards ceremony and gala dinner, set for March 7at the River Rock Show Theatre in Richmond, recognizes B.C.'s best amateur athletes, coaches, and officials for outstanding performances in their sport over the 2012 season.

Each finalist was nominated by their provincial sport organization, high school or university, and selected by a committee of B.C. sportswriters, broadcasters, athletes and amateur sport experts.

"A significant number of very strong nominations were received this year," said Sport BC's president and CEO, Rob Newman. "The Athlete of the Year Awards provides a great opportunity to recognize these talented and deserving athletes, coaches and officials. This year's nominees are certainly a testament to the strength and depth of sport in our province."

In her category, Stradling is up against Surrey gymnast Shallon Olsen and Kelowna biathlete Julia Ransom.

Other awards presented at the ceremony include Best of BC, Community Champion, Harry Jerome Comeback, and the Daryl Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award.