Cameron Boozer and Jane Hedengren Awarded Gatorade Best Players of the Year

Gatorade Best Players of the Year Recognized

On a star-studded evening at the 2025 ESPY Awards, Gatorade celebrated the remarkable achievements of high school athletes by announcing Cameron Boozer from Duke University and Jane Hedengren from BYU as their Best Male and Female Players of the Year for the 2024-25 season. The event was hosted in Los Angeles and presented by celebrities Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Matthew Stafford, both of whom are former Gatorade Players of the Year themselves.

Celebrating Excellence in Sports

Cameron Boozer, a powerhouse basketball player from Christopher Columbus High School in Florida, exhibited exceptional talent this past season. Standing at 6 feet 10 inches, Boozer led his team to an impressive 30-3 record while averaging 22.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game. This season was particularly notable as he guided his team to a fourth consecutive state championship and was named a semifinalist for the Naismith Trophy. Apart from basketball, Boozer is highly regarded for his leadership skills, maintaining a remarkable 4.82 weighted GPA, and dedicating his time to community services, including tutoring in mathematics and leading youth bible studies.

Jane Hedengren, representing Timpview High School in Utah, has made her mark in both cross country and track and field. Becoming only the third female athlete to earn Gatorade National Player of the Year honors in both disciplines, she recently clinched the title at the Nike Cross Nationals Final with a record-breaking time. Hedengren finished the event with an astonishing 16:32.7, winning by a staggering 41-second lead. Additionally, she set national high school records in several races and led her school to victory at the UHSAA state meet, demonstrating outstanding determination and dedication both on and off the track. With a GPA of 3.79, she embodies the spirit of a well-rounded student-athlete.

A Legacy of Recognition

The Gatorade Player of the Year award has a rich history, celebrating exceptional athletes who not only excel in their respective sports but also contribute positively to their communities. With figures like Jayson Tatum, Candace Parker, and Cooper Flagg in the alumni network, Boozer and Hedengren are joining a prestigious group of athletes. Anuj Bhasin, Gatorade's Chief Brand Officer, emphasized the importance of recognizing these pioneers, stating, "Gatorade Player of the Year recognizes exceptional athletes who are paving the way for the future of sport."

A Memorable Week in Los Angeles

The announcement of Boozer and Hedengren as Gatorade's Best Players was part of a week-long exclusive experience in Los Angeles that honored the top Gatorade National Players of the Year across 12 sports. This unique event featured engagements with sports heroes, community service initiatives, educational programs, and experiences such as walking the ESPY Awards red carpet. Gatorade's sports science legacy was also on display through immersive activities focused on the athlete's hydration and performance, facilitated by the Gatorade Sports Science Institute.

Looking Ahead

As champions of high school sports, Cameron Boozer and Jane Hedengren are poised to make significant impacts in collegiate athletics and serve as inspirations for future generations of athletes. Their outstanding accomplishments highlight the dedication and talent present in today's youth sports landscape. The Gatorade Player of the Year program continues to serve as a beacon of excellence in the realm of athletic recognition, ensuring that remarkable young talents receive the acknowledgment they deserve.

For more details about the Gatorade Player of the Year program, past winners, or to nominate an athlete, you can visit playeroftheyear.gatorade.com.