Macy Wingard Named Gatorade Texas Girls Player Of The Year

Macy Wingard, the Denton Braswell senior, has been named the 2025 Gatorade Texas Girls Cross Country Player of the Year, capping off a historic season that firmly established her as the state's premier distance runner. One of the most prestigious honors in high school sports, the Gatorade Player of the Year award recognizes excellence not only in athletic performance but also in academics and community service. With this selection, Wingard joins an elite national alumni group that includes CEOs, championship coaches, and some of the most accomplished athletes in the sport, while standing out as Texas' top high school runner for the year.

On the course, Wingard delivered a season for the ages. She captured her third consecutive UIL Class 6A state championship, dominating the field with a 16:45.7 performance and crossing the line in one of the largest winning margins in recent state meet history. A three-time All-American during her prep career, Wingard continued her excellence on the national stage, earning Second Team All-America honors with an eighth-place finish at Nike Cross Nationals. She also claimed the Nike Cross South Regional title in 16:53, further reinforcing her consistency against elite competition. Throughout the season, Wingard proved nearly untouchable in Texas, with her only defeat coming at the Southlake 5K Invitational, where she finished second to Lily Beshears of Rogers, Arkansas, the eventual Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year.

Beyond her competitive success, Wingard exemplifies the full scope of what the Gatorade Player of the Year award represents. She has made a meaningful impact off the course through her commitment to community service, regularly volunteering with her church to distribute food to those in need, and dedicating time each Thanksgiving at the church food pantry. Her leadership, humility, and service have matched her dominance on the trails, making her a role model for teammates and competitors alike. With three state titles, national accolades, and a deep commitment to giving back, Macy Wingard's 2025 season stands as one of the most complete and impressive campaigns in Texas girls' cross country history.

Macy Wingard Athlete Profile