Melanie Doggett Named Gatorade National Player of the Year

Fairburn, Georgia - In its 41st year celebrating the nation's best high school athletes for their excellence in sport, academics and community, Gatorade today announced Melanie Doggett of Landmark Christian School in Fairburn, Georgia is the 2025-26 Gatorade National Girls Track and Field Player of the Year. Doggett was selected from nearly half a million other student-athletes who compete in high school girls track and field nationwide, joining an elite legacy of former Gatorade National Girls Track and Field Player of the Year athletes who have combined for more than 73 gold medals and 37 National Championships.

This morning, Doggett was surprised with the award at school surrounded by her teammates, family and friends. Following the surprise, she got a taste of the pro athlete experience with a styling session, photoshoot, media interviews and more. Assets from the day can be found here. 

"For more than 60 years, Gatorade has been dedicated to supporting young athletes as they strive for greatness," said Jennifer Schmit, Sr. Director, Gatorade Brand Marketing. "Now, it's Doggett's chance to experience the one-of-a-kind Gatorade Player of the Year journey, which is all about celebrating her accomplishments and offering ongoing brand support and opportunities as she reaches the next level." 

Championing The Next Generation 

Receiving the honor of Gatorade Player of the Year is more than a trophy. It's a celebration of the whole athlete and opportunity to propel their future career through support and opportunities only Gatorade can provide because of its legacy in sport culture, product superiority and expertise in hydration science.

Starting this year, Gatorade will provide the National Player of the Year athletes with access to resources from the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI). The athletes will work with a team of GSSI scientists and have the opportunity to undergo testing at a GSSI Lab, equipping them with personalized hydration and fuel plans - built to help unlock their full potential and fuel success for years to come.

The brand will also elevate these athletes by including them in brand moments, events and community initiatives throughout the year - amplifying their journey, celebrating their achievements and providing ongoing opportunities to inspire others.

All-Around Excellence

Gatorade Player of the Year athletes are not only the best of the best in their respective sports, but they also serve as role models for the next generation of greats.

"In the sprint world these days, fast times come and go, but generational talents demonstrate skill sets that command attention," said Rich Gonzalez, editor of PrepCalTrack.com. "To see those in a ninth grader? Well, that's Melanie "The Rocket" Doggett. With a gear out of the blocks that makes jaws drop and competitors fade, the Georgia jet is conjuring up prep memories of the likes of Marion Jones. Memories about re-writing what's possible, Doggett's story is poised to get real good, real fast."

As part of Gatorade's commitment to breaking down barriers in sport, every Player of the Year also receives a grant to donate to a social impact partner. To date, the Gatorade Player of the Year program has provided more than $6.4 million in grants to winners across more than 2,200 organizations.

To learn more about the Gatorade Player of the Year program, check out past winners or to nominate student-athletes, visit playeroftheyear.gatorade.com.