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

THE WINNER: Candace Hill

THE BASICS

School: Rockdale County (Conyers, Ga.)
Grade: Freshman
Event: Sprints
Height: 5-foot-8

Athletic achievement: She won the 200-meter dash with a state-record time of 23.21 seconds and the 100-meter dash in a meet-record 11.44 seconds at the Class 6A state championship meet this spring. Hill also won the 100 and 200 at the New Balance Nationals Outdoor championships, with her winning 200 time of 23.14 representing the nation’s No. 2 performance among prep competitors in 2014 at the time of her selection.

Academic excellence: Hill has maintained a weighted 4.54 GPA.

Exemplary character: She has volunteered locally on behalf of food, toy and clothing drives as well as anti-bullying initiatives. She’s also donated her time at a shelter for the needy.

THE PRAISE

“Candace is a coach’s dream,” said Rockdale County coach Venson Elder. “She comes to practice every day ready to learn and to get better. She is a quiet leader who takes pride in everything she does.”

THE FUTURE: Hill will be a sophomore this fall.