For a complete list of Gatorade State Cross Country ROYs, click here.

THE WINNER: Emma McMillan

THE BASICS

School: Barrington (R.I.)
Grade: Sophomore
Position: Distance runner
Height: 5-foot-8

Athletic achievement: She won the state’s open championships with a course-record time of 17:42.87 this past season, leading the Eagles to second place as a team. The state’s returning Gatorade Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year, McMillan also captured sixth place at the New England Cross Country Championships in 17:55.60. A two-time First Team All-State selection as named by the Providence Journal and Rhode Island Track Coaches Association, she placed fourth at the Nike Cross Nationals Northeast Regional championships in 18:31.1, and then finished 45th at the Nike Cross Nationals Final in 18:19.80. McMillan took second at the Class A championships in 18:04.84.

Academic excellence: McMillan has maintained a 4.21 weighted GPA.

Exemplary character: An accomplished swimmer and member of her school’s choral ensemble, she has donated her time on behalf of her church and as a youth swimming instructor.

THE PRAISE

“She runs for the shear fun of the sport — her composure is an example for all,” said Barrington head coach Annmarie Marino. “Her light, young, musical attitude brings a light-hearted atmosphere to a sport that can at times be extremely difficult. Whether covered in mud, sweat, or red in the face from an all-out effort, she always wore a smile and had encouraging words to offer her teammates and her competitors.”

THE FUTURE: McMillan will be a junior this fall.