ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Natasza Dudek, a sophomore at Ann Arbor Pioneer High School, continued her sweep of national honors Thursday after being named the 2025-26 Gatorade National Girls Cross Country Player of the Year, capping one of the most dominant seasons in high school distance running history. The award recognizes athletic excellence, academic achievement and exemplary character.
Dudek also was selected as MileSplit's 2025 COROS Cross Country Athlete of the Year, further cementing her status as the nation's top girls runner.
The 5-foot-2 standout completed an undefeated fall campaign, winning every race she entered en route to championships at the Michigan State Meet, Brooks XC Championships and Nike Cross Nationals - becoming the first girl ever to win both NXN and a national championship at Balboa Park in the same season.
Dudek's season highlights included a meet record 16:09.50 to win the Michigan state title, a course record at the NXR Midwest Regional and a smooth, strategic 16:50.10 victory at Nike Cross Nationals. Dudek's historic year adds to a growing legacy at Pioneer and positions her as one of the most talked-about underclass talents in the sport as the 2026 track season begins.
