Cooper Flagg and Sadie Engelhardt are just getting started in their athletic career, but they are already earning some serious hardware.
The two 17-year-olds were named Gatorade Best Player of the Year winners Thursday night at the ESPYs, distinguishing them as the top high school athletes in the country.
Flagg and Engelhardt were among 12 Gatorade National Players of the Year in their respective sports who took part in a week-long celebration in Los Angeles.
"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," Gatorade president and general manager Mike Del Pozzo said in a press release. "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."
We've got the news you need to know to start your day. Sign up for the First & 4Most morning newsletter — delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up here.
Flagg has made a name for himself on the court. The Maine native led Montverde Academy to a 34-0 record and the Chipotle Nationals title this past season while averaging 16.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.7 blocks and 1.6 steals per game. The presumptive 2025 No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick got a chance to showcase his skills against future Basketball Hall of Famers as a member of the USA Select Team last week and will play at Duke this coming college basketball season.
Engelhardt, meanwhile, has made strides on the track. The Ventura, California, distance runner finished as the national leader in four events this past year and broke the national high school record in the mile with a 4:28.46 time. She became the third ever high schooler to qualify for the women's 1500m at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials and has committed to run at NC State beginning in the fall of 2025.
Along with excellence in the field of play, Flagg and Engelhardt also shined in the classroom. Flagg had a 4.10 GPA and Engelhardt had a 4.59.
Past Gatorade Players of the Year national winners include LeBron James, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Jayson Tatum, Allyson Felix, Candace Parker and more Olympians.
