From Shock to Spotlight: Jane Hedengren and Katelyn Tuohy React to Gatorade National Girls Track & Field Honor Reveal…Read More…
In a moment that combined heartfelt surprise, athletic excellence, and a powerful passing of the torch, Jane Hedengren was named the 2025 Gatorade National Girls Track and Field Player of the Year — and the honor was delivered in unforgettable fashion by none other than Katelyn Tuohy, one of the most iconic distance runners in U.S. high school history and a past recipient of the same award.
The emotional encounter took place during what Hedengren thought was a routine team meeting. Instead, she was met with balloons, cameras, and a smiling Tuohy walking toward her with the iconic Gatorade trophy in hand. For the 17-year-old standout from Timpview High School in Provo, Utah, it was a surreal culmination of years of dedication to her sport.
A Career Year for Hedengren
Hedengren’s 2024-25 season has been nothing short of astonishing. The junior dominated across a range of events, from the 800 meters to the 3,200 meters, regularly posting times that not only broke Utah state records but also ranked nationally. Her 1,600-meter performance at the Arcadia Invitational — a blistering 4:34.56 — placed her in the top five all-time for high school girls and caught national attention.
Jane’s coach, Michael Benson, spoke about her rare blend of raw talent and tireless work ethic.
“Jane never asks for shortcuts. She thrives on pressure, and she leads by example. When she trains, the entire team elevates,” Benson said.
Aside from her on-track accomplishments, Hedengren has maintained a 4.0 GPA, volunteers at a local shelter, and mentors younger athletes through a youth track program. It’s that well-rounded excellence that the Gatorade Player of the Year award seeks to recognize — a balance of athletic dominance, academic integrity, and character.
The Surprise Moment
“I had no idea,” Jane said afterward, still teary-eyed from the emotional surprise. “I thought I was going to a meeting about summer training schedules. Then I see Katelyn Tuohy walking toward me, and my heart stopped. She’s been a role model for me forever.”
Tuohy, who won three consecutive Gatorade National Girls Cross Country Player of the Year awards during her high school years and now competes professionally, handed Jane the trophy and shared some heartfelt advice.
“You have something special, Jane,” Tuohy told her. “But remember, your journey is about more than winning races. It’s about learning who you are in the process. Keep showing up for yourself, your teammates, and the next generation.”
The moment was captured in a video shared by Gatorade’s official social media pages, instantly going viral. The clip showed Jane’s initial shock, followed by an emotional embrace between her and Tuohy. Athletes, fans, and even celebrities took to social media to congratulate Hedengren, with Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone calling the moment “powerful and inspiring.”
Legacy and Impact
The Gatorade Player of the Year program, now in its 40th year, has recognized some of the most legendary names in sports during their high school careers — from Allyson Felix and Marion Jones to Katelyn Tuohy and Candace Hill. For Jane Hedengren to join that elite list as a junior only raises the ceiling on what she might achieve in the coming years.
“It’s humbling,” Jane said. “To be mentioned in the same breath as those athletes? I don’t even know what to say. But I’m going to keep working. This is fuel.”
Tuohy, now a seasoned competitor on the NCAA and professional circuits, sees much of her younger self in Hedengren.
“She reminds me of why I fell in love with running,” Tuohy said. “She’s fearless but humble, and she puts her heart into every stride.”
What’s Next for Hedengren?
With her senior season still ahead, Jane Hedengren has set her sights on several national records and a potential berth in future U.S. national teams. But she insists her focus remains grounded.
“I just want to keep getting better and have fun with it,” she said. “If the times come, they come. But the real reward is sharing this with my teammates and family.”
Jane’s parents, both visibly moved by the surprise announcement, echoed her sentiment. “She has always poured herself into whatever she does,” her father said. “Track just happens to be the world noticing that effort.”
More Than Just a Trophy
As Gatorade continues to elevate high school athletes with moments like these, the program also aims to spark broader conversations about sportsmanship, balance, and using a platform for good. Jane Hedengren’s story exemplifies those values. From being mentored by her idol to now stepping into the spotlight herself, she embodies a new generation of female athletes reshaping what greatness looks like.
As Tuohy summed it up: “She’s not just a winner on the track. She’s a leader for what’s next.”
And what’s next, for Jane Hedengren, looks incredibly bright.
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