In its 41^st year celebrating the nation’s best high school athletes for their excellence in sport, academics and community, Gatorade today announced Caroline Stanton of Buford High School in Buford, Georgia is the 2025-26 Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year.

Stanton was selected from nearly half a million other student-athletes who play high school softball nationwide, joining an elite legacy of former Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year athletes who have combined for more than 17 gold medals and seven National Championships.

This morning, three-time Olympic medalist and former Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year Cat Osterman surprised Stanton with the award at school surrounded by teammates, family and friends.

Here’s a video clip of Carolin being greeted by Cat and then surrounded by her very happy teammates!

Following the surprise, Stanton got a taste of the pro athlete experience with a styling session, photoshoot, media interviews and more.

“We are recognizing Caroline Stanton as the best high school softball player in the nation because of her dedication to excel as an athlete, a student and a leader within her community,” said Jennifer Schmit, Sr. Director, Gatorade Brand Marketing.

“Her commitment to going above and beyond in all three pillars of the award embodies what it takes to be a Gatorade Player of the Year, and we’re thrilled to be celebrating her achievements.”

Click HERE to read more about Caroline and what she’s done on the field that’s so amazing!  

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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.

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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.

Here’s a bullet point list of impressive accomplishments Caroline has already achieved off the softball field:

• member of the Beta Club,
• attends a weekly Bible studies group,
• leader in her school’s chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes,
• participates in the IDEALS Leadership School, a nomination-based program for student-athletes who’ve demonstrated leadership potential,
• volunteers locally on behalf of the Feed the Hungry Foundation,
• donates her time as a youth softball instructor at camps and clinics,
• works with well the Happy Feet at Night to Shine event and the Buford United Softball Game – which pairs youth athletes with intellectually challenged peers in celebration of sport,
• has maintained a 4.13 GPA in the classroom,
• signed a written letter of athletic aid to play softball at the University of Florida this fall.

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.