For a list of the other Gatorade State Girls Track & Field Athletes of the Year, click here

THE WINNER: Ariana Washington

THE BASICS

School: Long Beach (Calif.) Poly
Grade: Senior
Event: Sprints
Height: 5-foot-10

Athletic achievement: She won the 100-meter dash with a time of 11.22 seconds and the 200-meter dash (22.96) at the state meet this season, leading the Jackrabbits to the championship as a team. A two-time returning Track & Field News All-American, Washington also anchored the winning 4×100-meter relay quartet that broke the tape in 45.19. Her 100 and 200 clockings and the relay time at the state meet all ranked among the nation’s top 20 performances in prep history at the time of her selection.

Academic excellence: Washington has maintained a 3.08 weighted GPA.

Exemplary character: The recipient of Long Beach Poly’s prestigious Pursuit of Excellence Award as the school’s top senior student-athlete this spring, she has volunteered locally at a daycare facility, as a peer mathematics tutor and on behalf of the Long Beach International City Marathon.

THE PRAISE

“Ariana strives for excellence on the track, in the community and most importantly in the classroom,” said Long Beach Poly assistant coach Doc Moye. “Her leadership skills on the team at Long Beach Polytechnic have been displayed by her ability to pull her teammates together and create an inclusive atmosphere, where all are valued and respected. Ariana’s consistent leadership and genuine concern for her teammates are qualities that make her a stellar example to her peers.”

THE FUTURE: Washington has signed with Oregon.