Category: Gatorade Player of the Year

Cooper Flagg named 2024 Gatorade Best Male Player of the Year

A grand finale on the Hollywood stage for the Duke Blue Devil commit.

Stepping off the practice court with Team USA—where he turned more than a few heads recently—and onto the 2024 ESPY Awards stage, Cooper Flagg’s dynamic high school career culminated with one of the most distinguished honors on Thursday night: Gatorade Player of the Year.

The Duke commit and top-rated recruit from the class of 2024 was presented with the award by Former Gatorade Best Female Players of the Year Candace Parker and Paige Bueckers. Flagg now joins a list of top alumni that includes Jayson Tatum, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, and Karl-Anthony Towns, plus the 2024 Female Player of the Year, Sadie Engelhardt.

(Courtesy of Gatorade)

“It’s an honor to take home this award, and having it handed to me by some of the biggest names in basketball makes it even better,” said Flagg in a statement. “The list of former Gatorade Best Players of the Year speaks for itself, so it’s special to put my name next to theirs.”

The 6-foot-9 basketball star’s resume hardly needs a major rehash at this point, with Flagg proving multiple times that he is a generational talent, from his time at Montverde (Fla.), where he helped lead the Eagles to a 34-0 record last season and the Chipotle Nationals title, to his current high-flying highlights with USA Basketball.

Like all the Gatorade nominees throughout the 20-year history, Flagg created a top-tier career on the court while standing just as tall in the class and community.

The future Blue Devil participated in fundraisers for the Ronald McDonald House and Donovan Kurt Memorial Cancer Fund, volunteered at youth basketball camps and clinics in Maine and Florida, and maintained a 4.10 GPA.

“Our Gatorade Player of the Year class embodies the future of sport, so we’re energized to celebrate their accomplishments and bright futures during this one-of-a-kind experience,” said Gatorade president and general manager Mike Del Pozzo in a statemnet. “For decades Gatorade Players of the Year have gone on to have incredible success both on the field of play and in their communities, and we can’t wait to see what these athletes do next.”

Player of the Year, Sadie Engelhardt and Cooper Flagg

Sadie Engelhardt named 2024 Gatorade Best Female Player of the Year

The Ventura High School (Calif.) star took home the top honor at the 2024 ESPY Awards.

Among a crowd of star athletes and entertainers, Sadie Engelhardt had her deserved moment in the spotlight on Thursday night at the 2024 ESPY Awards, with the NC State commit being named the Gatorade Best Female Player of the Year.

Former Gatorade Best Female Players of the Year Candace Parker and Paige Bueckers presented the track and field standout with the prestigious honor, a grand finale for the California native who now joins a list of world-class alumni that includes Jayson Tatum, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, and Karl-Anthony Towns.

“I was so excited to win Gatorade National Girls Track and Field Player of the Year, and now to be named Best Female Player of the Year is crazy to me,” said Engelhardt in a statement. “All the athletes in this group are amazing, and I’m so honored to be here celebrating our hard work on and off the field.”The Gatorade Best Player of the Year announcement is the culmination of an unparalleled Gatorade Player of the Year

Engelhardt’s high school career has reached an impressive level as notable as the Hollywood sign that sprawls above the landscape not far from where she accepted the iconic Gatorade accolade.

She’s a three-time Gatorade Girls Track & Field Player of the Year in California, where the top-rated distance runner helped Ventura High School to a second-place team finish at the state meet last season.

Records?

Yep, she’s got plenty.

The Cougars sensation holds the national record for the mile, with a time of  4:28.46, and she broke the California record in the 1600 with a 4:32.06 posting at the state meet—which currently holds rank as the fastest time ever in the event in a meet with high school-only competitors.

This highlight might be one of the greatest of all time in track and field — at any level.

The most impressive part? Engelhardt has created this type of resume on the track while excelling just as much in the classroom—where she has a 4.59 GPA—and in the community.

“Our Gatorade Player of the Year class embodies the future of sport, so we’re energized to celebrate their accomplishments and bright futures during this one-of-a-kind experience,” said Gatorade president and general manager Mike Del Pozzo in a statement. “For decades Gatorade Players of the Year have gone on to have incredible success both on the field of play and in their communities, and we can’t wait to see what these athletes do next.”

Christian Miller named 2023-24 Gatorade National Boys Track and Field Player of the Year

A fantastic finish for the Creekside High School star.

Christian Miller took home the Gatorade National Boys Track & Field Player of the Year honor this week, a fantastic finish for the record-setting sprinter.

The Sunshine State standout was surprised with the prominent award surrounded by his family, coaches, and teammates at Creekside High School (St. Johns, Fla.).

Another track sensation to join the list of past winners—who boast a combined trophy case of more than 19 gold medals and 14 national championships—Miller was certainly worthy of the iconic hardware, which more than half a million other student-athletes were in the running for.

“Christian Miller officially broke the national high school record at 100 meters this spring, but it certainly appears there’s more left in the tank based upon his performances at the Olympic Trials,” noted Rich Gonzalez, editor of PrepCalTrack.com., in a statement. “The rhythmic power he harnesses is extremely unique for a teenage sprinter. His skill set is beginning to remind folks of a one-time prep prodigy named Noah Lyles—yes, the same Noah Lyles that has since won six world championship medals. Miller’s career is going places and he’s getting there faster than any before him.”

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Miller’s achievements of the track carried just as much weight as his impressive Gold medal-worthy accolades on it, with the Georgia Bulldogs commit turrning the spotlight on his work volunteering for the River Rock Church community and coaching youth club teams.

Most impressive?

He maintained a B average in the classroom while doing all of it, from setting world records on the track to helping coach younger athletes on the St. John’s Striders track team.

“Gatorade Players of the Year are not only world-class athletes, but they’re also motivated to succeed in the classroom and be leaders in their communities,” said Gatorade president and general manager Michael Del Pozzo, of Miller’s overall resume. ”Christian embodies all those qualities tenfold, and we’re proud to welcome him into the Gatorade Player of the Year family.”

(Gatorade Player of the Year/Joe Greer)

NC State commit Sadie Engelhardt named Gatorade National Girls Track & Field Player of the Year

Sadie Engelhardt captured the Gatorade National Girls Track & Field Player of the Year award.

A truly special season for Sadie Engelhardt was capped off on Wednesday with being named the 2023-24 Gatorade National Girls Track & Field Player of the Year.

A junior at Ventura High School (Ventura, CA.), Engelhardt has been undeniably strong this past year in the 1500 meters. Setting the standard is nothing new for this talented student-athlete (who also has a 4.59 weighted GPA).

Last week, she ran a 4:37.04 in the mile at the New Balance Outdoor Nationals in Philadelphia to beat her own personal time at the meet.

Engelhardt burst onto the national scene three years ago as a 14-year-old when she broke the world record in the mile for her age group.

“Sadie’s excellence on and off the field of play has earned her a spot alongside some of the most iconic names in sport who have taken home Gatorade Player of the Year honors,” Gatorade president and general manager Michael Del Pozzo said in a statement about Engelhardt.

(Gatorade Player of the Year/Joe Greer)

“This is just the beginning for Sadie, and we look forward to seeing what she will accomplish.” 

The award has a long track record of success and has seen the winners go on to win 71 gold medals and 34 national championships.

Despite being a junior, she is already committed to compete for NC State following her high school career.

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Maddie DiMaria wins the Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year

Maddie DiMaria wins the Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year.

A remarkable season of high school soccer sees Maddie DiMaria named the Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year.

And perhaps making it even more remarkable is that DiMaria was just a freshman in high school this past season. She is the first-ever freshman to win the award.

DiMaria, who plays for Cor Jesu Academy (Affton, Mo.), had 30 goals and 21 assists this past season.

She received the award at her high school with her coaches and teammates as well as her family all present to see the moment. United States national team forward Mallory Swanson, who won the 2014-15 Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year, sent DiMaria a video message of congratulations.

Notable recipients of the award include Aly Wagner and Kennedy Fuller as well as the aforementioned Swanson.

(Courtesy of Gatorade)

“Maddie DiMaria’s historic freshman season was a perfect example of what makes her such a special talent,” said J.R. Eskilson, a national analyst for PrepSoccer.com said in a statement.

“Ruthlessly efficient on the attack and fiercely competitive, she did what her team needed in order to win, supplying goals, assists and everything else to help her side hang a state championship banner.”

Midfielder Ransford Gyan of St. Benedict’s Prep (Newark, N.J.) won the award on the boys side.

Ransford Gyan named 2023-24 Gatorade National Boys Soccer Player of the Year

The Clemson Tiger commit goes back to back!

Ransford Gyan’s remarkable journey from Ghana to perennial soccer power St. Benedict’s Prep (Newark, N.J.) added another impressive accolade to the story this week, with the dynamic midfielder being named 2023-24 Gatorade National Boys Soccer Player of the Year.

The surprise announcement came while Gyan competed in a youth soccer tournament in Tennessee, with his coaches and teammates joining in on the impressive achievement. To help add to the trophy celebration, USMNT star Christian Pulisic gave the next-generation talent a congratulatory call.

(Photo: Joe Greer, Courtesy of Gatorade)

It’s back-to-back Player of the Year nods for Gyan, who adds his name again to an impressive list of past winners—an all-star roster that has combined for over 12 National Championships and includes 13 MLS first-round draft picks. 

And the selection over the half a million other student-athletes who play high school boys’ soccer, was more than well-deserved.

“Ransford Gyan is one of the most talented players to emerge from the high school soccer arena in the past decade,” noted J.R. Eskilson, National Analyst for PrepSoccer.com in a statement.

“A wizard with the ball at his feet, Gyan has that rare ability to create chances for his team in the blink of an eye. Lightning quick and sublimely skillful, he does things on a soccer pitch comparable to what you see at the professional level. Playing with a target on his back all season as the reigning Gatorade Boys Soccer National Player of the Year, Gyan raised his game and found multiple ways to help his team win even though he was regularly surrounded by a handful of defenders. The left-footed maestro delivered a masterpiece performance in his final high school season.” 

Gyan was equally valuable outside the lines. He was involved with everything from volunteering on behalf of Newark’s St. Mary’s Parish Toussaint Food Pantry to coaching young athletes in association with the CSA Newark Roots Program—all while maintaining a 3.68 GPA in the classroom.

It’s that type of overall resume that caught the attention of Gatorade, with Gatorade president and general manager Michael Del Pozzo noting that “Ransford won the top award in high school sports because he is someone who is a leader in all facets of his life.”

What’s next on the journey?

The soccer standout now heads off to Clemson, where he’ll help build on a nationally ranked Tigers squad that won the program’s fifth ACC Championship and a fourth National Championship in 2023.

(Photo: Joe Greer, Courtesy of Gatorade)

Editors note: This article has been updated to show that Clemson won the ACC championship in 2023.

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Addisen Fisher named 2023-24 Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year

A grand high school finale for the UCLA commit and nation’s top-ranked recruit.

UCLA commit Addisen Fisher added an impressive piece of hardware to the mantle this week, with the Bend High School (Ore.) standout being named the 2023-24 Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year.

The announcement culminated a selection process that included half a million student-athletes who play high school softball across the U.S. It concluded with a surprise presentation of the trophy at the Bend softball field, with Fisher surrounded by her family, coaches, and teammates.

Capping off the special moment, the 2014-15 Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year—and UCLA alumna—Rachel Garcia congratulated Fisher during a video call.

(Photo: Joe Greer, Courtesy of Gatorade)

Fisher, who was an incredible three-time Gatorade Oregon Softball Player of the Year, now joins an impressive group of former National winners who have combined for more than 17 gold medals and five National Championships.

For the Lava Bears right-handed ace, it’s a national spotlight on an extraordinary career, one that included a Class 5A state title this past season in which Fisher dominated from the circle and at the plate.

Her stats are fitting of the nation’s top-ranked recruit in the Class of 2024:

  • 0.36 ERA, 10 shutouts, five no-hitters and four perfect games
  • 261 strikeouts in 134.2 innings, averaging 1.9 Ks per inning
  • Opposing hitters batted .092 against her; FIP was .198
  • .667 batting avg. with 17 home runs, 40 RBI, 54 runs and 18 steals

“Addisen Fisher is not only a dominating force on the mound, but one of the best hitters we’ve faced this season,” began Stacy Cox, head coach at Summit High School, in a statement release about Fisher’s dual-threat prowess on the field.

“If you choose to pitch to the talented senior, you risk watching the softball leave the park within seconds, and any pitch (location) is fair game. On the mound, she is near perfection with speeds reaching 70 and a changeup that will stop you in your tracks. Such a talented player with a very bright future.”

Outside the lines, Fisher’s resume is equally impressive.

While maintaining a 4.13 GPA, she donated her time to the Red Cross and mentored intellectually and physically challenged students in life skills. As a WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) member, she served as an instructor and coach with Bend North Little League. And during her time with the National Honor Society, she organized food and blood donation drives at her school.

When all of it is combined, it’s easy to see why Fisher was so deserving of this year’s Player of the Year recognition, which Gatorade president and general manager Michael Del Pozzo noted of the future Bruin.

“With such a talented pool of competition, being selected as the Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year is a testament to Addisen’s hard work and achievements on and off the field,” said Del Pozzo in a statement.

“Addisen’s commitment to excellence in all facets of life is inspiring, and we’re excited to see what’s next for her.” 

Same here, Michael. Same here.

Congrats, Addisen, on the remarkable high school chapter of your career and winning the 2023-24 Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year.

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Duke commit Cooper Flagg named 2023-24 Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year

Cooper Flagg, the top prospect in high school, has been named the Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year.

Cooper Flagg, one of the best high school prospects of the decade and leader of the 31-0 Montverde Academy (Fla.) Eagles, was named the 2023-24 Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year on Wednesday.

The Duke commit received the award from former Blue Devil Paolo Banchero, a star on the Orlando Magic.

(Credit: Joe Greer)

“It’s just an incredible honor to be included in this list of players,” Flagg said to Yahoo Sports of the award that has been given to stars like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Jayson Tatum. “Just seeing how all the hard work is paying off and it just motivates me to keep getting better and better.”

Flagg is a 6-foot-9, 195-pound do-it-all wing who can score at all three levels, plus play elite defense with the size and speed to guard one through five and strength to block shots. He’s also a good passer, showing off his modern-day skill set at Montverde with averages of 16.1 points, 7.6 rebounds,3.9 assists, 2.7 blocks and 1.6 steals per game his senior season.

“I’ve gotten to know Cooper a little bit at Jayson’s camp,” Banchero said to the Orlando Sentinel. “It’s just been awesome following his journey, and to present him with an award like this, it’s dope for him and also myself.”

Montverde has been the clear-cut No. 1 team in the Super 25 all season long behind Flagg and a bevy of five-star talent around him. The Eagles are undefeated heading into the Chipotle tournament in early April, having taken down several of the next-best teams in the country.

Flagg reclassified from 2025 to 2024 in August, shortly after he dominated at the Nike EYBL Peach Jam, in which he averaged 25.4 points, 13.0 rebounds, 6.9 blocks, and 5.7 assists per game while posting a double-double in all seven games and recording three triple-doubles, all with points, rebounds, and blocks.

As the projected top pick of the 2025 class, he committed to Duke over UConn and Kansas. In an interview with SLAM Magazine, he talked about the decision:

“I think after I got on campus at Duke, I really started to feel it, to be honest,” he says. “That’s something the coaches definitely stressed to me, that once you get to campus, it’s something you have to feel. And [I knew then] I wanted to go to Duke and that’s where I wanted to play college basketball. What went into the decision, I mean, I was just looking for a coaching staff I was really comfortable with, but [also] a coach and staff that was really going to hold me accountable. Being on the visit, I got to see them in practice, and see how they were holding their guys accountable, and really pushing them to be better.

Montverde is prepping for the Chipotle Nationals basketball tournament, formerly known as the GEICO Nationals, but Flagg has one more trophy for his mantle before that begins:

He is the 2023-24 Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year.

(Credit: Joe Greer)

Finalists named for the Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year

The Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year finalists were announced on Thursday.

On Thursday, the three finalists for the Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year were announced. The top two players in the USA TODAY High School Sports Top 10 were among the finalists.

Last year, class of 2026 forward Cameron Boozer Jr. of Christopher Columbus (Miami, Florida) won the national award.

The three finalists for this year’s Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year are:

  • Airious ‘Ace’ Bailey: The No. 1 player in the nation in the USA TODAY High School Sports Top 10. A 6-foot-8 forward from McEachern (Powder Springs, Georgia), Bailey is committed to Rutgers.
  • Cooper Flagg: A Duke commit, Flagg is a 6-foot-9 forward at Montverde (Montverde, Florida). Flagg is the second-highest-ranked player in the USA TODAY HSS top 10 and is the Naismith Player of the Year.
  • VJ Edgecombe: Ranked as the ninth-best player in the nation by USA TODAY HSS, Edgecombe is a guard from Long Island Lutheran (Glen Head, New York). He is heading to Baylor this summer.

The three finalists will also be named their state’s Gatorade player of the year.

Last week, the finalists for the Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year Award were announced.

Addison Ritzenhein gets a very special surprise from Katelyn Tuohy as the Gatorade National Girls Cross Country Player of the Year

Addison Ritzenhein gets a surprise as the Gatorade Player of the Year.

Katelyn Tuohy, one of the most dominant athletes in NCAA history, knows how to pull off a surprise. Turns out she is dominant off the track too.

On Tuesday, Tuohy surprised Addison Ritzenhein as the 2023-24 Gatorade National Girls Cross Country Player of the Year by bringing the trophy to her school. A sophomore at Niwot High School (Niwot, Colorado), she won the Nike Cross Nationals Final with a time of 17:10.40.

Running cross country since seventh grade, Ritzenhein has the potential to be one of the best in the history of the sport. Tuohy, who presented her with the award, was named the Gatorade National Girls Cross Country Player of the Year for three consecutive seasons, beginning in 2018.

“Addy Ritzenhein achieved more and raced smarter than any prep girl in the country this past season, beating a stacked race field at the Nike Cross Nationals Final and leading her team to the podium,” said Rich Gonzalez, PrepCal Track editor., in a statement released by Gatorade

“Her excellence throughout 2023 on Colorado courses at altitude set her up for nationals, where her strength and tactical racing opened up the field. She was the best racer in the best races and she’s only a sophomore.” 

Tuohy ran cross country at North Carolina State for three seasons where she was among the best distance runners in college history. Last month, she declared her intentions to go professional and she signed an endorsement deal with Adidas.

As for Ritzenhein, she has the potential to match Tuohy’s dominance at the high school level over the next two years. She certainly has some good D.N.A. to take the next step in the sport.

Her father is former Olympian Dathan Ritzenhein, who twice won the Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year.