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

THE WINNER: Demi Washington

THE BASICS

School: Clinton (Miss.)
Grade: Freshman
Event: Sprints
Height: 5-foot-2

Athletic achievement: She won two individual state titles and anchored two winning relays to lead the Arrows to the Class 6A state championship as a team this spring. Washington won the 100-meter dash in 11.81 seconds and captured the 200-meter dash in 24.06. She also led the 4×100 relay to a title in a state-record 46.14 seconds, then paced the 4×200 team to another state-record time of 1:37.58. Washington was named Miss Track and Field by the Clarion-Ledger for the second straight year.

Academic excellence: Washington has maintained a 3.50 GPA.

Exemplary character: She has volunteered locally on behalf of the Salvation Army and her church’s youth ministry.   

THE PRAISE

“Demi is one of the best female athletes that I have ever coached,” said Clinton head coach Johnathan Perkins. “She is very dedicated and determined to try and be the best girls track athlete to ever run in the state of Mississippi. She’s a very good leader for our team, and she has many great years ahead of her.”

THE FUTURE: Washington will be a sophomore this fall.