NC State commit Sadie Engelhardt named Gatorade National Girls Track & Field Player of the Year

A truly special season for Sadie Engelhardt was capped off on Wednesday with being named the 2023-24 Gatorade National Girls Track & Field Player of the Year.

A junior at Ventura High School (Ventura, CA.), Engelhardt has been undeniably strong this past year in the 1500 meters. Setting the standard is nothing new for this talented student-athlete (who also has a 4.59 weighted GPA).

Last week, she ran a 4:37.04 in the mile at the New Balance Outdoor Nationals in Philadelphia to beat her own personal time at the meet.

Engelhardt burst onto the national scene three years ago as a 14-year-old when she broke the world record in the mile for her age group.

“Sadie’s excellence on and off the field of play has earned her a spot alongside some of the most iconic names in sport who have taken home Gatorade Player of the Year honors,” Gatorade president and general manager Michael Del Pozzo said in a statement about Engelhardt.

“This is just the beginning for Sadie, and we look forward to seeing what she will accomplish.” 

The award has a long track record of success and has seen the winners go on to win 71 gold medals and 34 national championships.

Despite being a junior, she is already committed to compete for NC State following her high school career.