Meet the 12 Gatorade 2025–26 National Players of the Year: America's Best High School Athletes

Why this matters: The Gatorade Player of the Year award has historically been a reliable predictor of future professional and Olympic success. These 12 athletes represent the next wave of talent that will shape college sports, the pros, and international competition for years to come.

A Legacy of Excellence

The Gatorade Player of the Year program has been identifying future stars for over four decades. Past winners include some of the most recognizable names in sports history: LeBron James (2002–03, boys basketball), Peyton Manning (1993–94, football), Candace Parker (2003–04, girls basketball), Allyson Felix (2002–03, girls track), and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (2016–17, girls track). This year's 12 winners are already carving their own paths toward that level of greatness.

Fall Sports Winners

Jackson Cantwell made history as the first full-time offensive lineman to win the football award. His genetic pedigree is extraordinary—both parents are Olympic shot putters—and his rapid development from a reluctant lineman to a potential first-round NFL pick illustrates his work ethic. Enrolling early at Miami has already accelerated his growth, with daily practice against future NFL talent.

Sophee Peterson is redefining perfection in volleyball. Her 1,728 ballhandling attempts with just one error is a margin of precision that borders on unbelievable. Still just a junior, she's already committed to defending national champion Texas A&M and has a 78-match winning streak to protect.

Natasza Dudek and Jackson Spencer both dominated the cross country scene. Dudek's double national championship win (NXN and Brooks) marked a historic first for girls, while Spencer's undefeated senior campaign and sub-4-minute mile put him in elite company.

Winter Sports Winners

Olivia Vukosa chose Christ the King—the same program that produced Sue Bird and Chamique Holdsclaw—and now heads to UConn with an already impressive international résumé. Her Croatian senior national team debut, averaging 11.3 points and 6.7 rebounds, shows she can compete against professionals.

Jordan Smith Jr. is the kind of versatile guard who makes everyone around him better. His commitment to Arkansas under John Calipari places him in a line of elite point guards that includes Derrick Rose, John Wall, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Spring Sports Winners

Grady Emerson drew comparisons to Bobby Witt Jr. for good reason—both are Texas shortstops who went second overall in the MLB Draft after winning Gatorade honors. Emerson's bat-to-ball skills are elite; he struck out fewer than five times in 161 plate appearances.

Caroline Stanton dominated from the circle with three no-hitters and a 0.35 ERA, but also contributed at the plate (.329, 8 HR, 38 RBI). Her decision to graduate early and redshirt at Florida gives her a head start on college competition.

Marcus Jackson made a position switch that transformed his trajectory. Moving from striker to center back unlocked his leadership potential and earned him a scholarship to UCLA's four-time national championship program.

Maddie DiMaria joined Morgan Andrews as the only two-time winner of the girls soccer award. Her 67-goal senior season accounted for 65% of her team's scoring. She'll head to North Carolina after representing the U.S. at the U-17 level.

Melanie Doggett is just a freshman but already holds a world record and an NIL deal with Nike. Her 22.48 in the 200m at age 15 puts her on a trajectory similar to Olympic champions.

Zacchaeus Brocks broke the 13-second barrier in the 110m hurdles—a mark no high schooler had ever achieved. After overcoming injuries that derailed his junior season, his resilience is as impressive as his speed.

How are Gatorade National Players of the Year selected?

Gatorade's selection committee chooses one standout athlete from each state and Washington, D.C., across 12 sports (610 state winners). From those, they select 12 national winners based on athletic excellence, academic achievement, and community service.

What do winners receive besides the award?

Each winner receives a grant to donate to a charitable organization of their choice. In 2026, national winners also receive customized hydration and fueling plans from the Gatorade Sports Science Institute.

Which Gatorade winners have gone on to become professional stars?

The list is extensive and includes LeBron James, Peyton Manning, Alex Rodriguez, Clayton Kershaw, Candace Parker, Allyson Felix, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Sue Bird, and many more Hall of Famers and Olympic medalists.

Who is the only two-time winner of the Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year?

Before Maddie DiMaria, Morgan Andrews was the only two-time winner. DiMaria joins her as the second ever to achieve this feat.

Is this the first year a freshman has won the Gatorade Girls Track and Field award?

Yes. Melanie Doggett is the first freshman ever to win the national award in girls track and field.

Which of these 12 athletes do you think will have the biggest professional career? Will Jackson Cantwell become the NFL's next dominant tackle? Can Maddie DiMaria make the USWNT? Drop your predictions in the comments!

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