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

THE WINNER: Tamara Gorman

THE BASICS

School: Rapid City (S.D.) Stevens
Grade: Senior
Position: Distance runner
Height: 5-foot-8

Athletic achievement: She captured first place at the 2013 ITU Junior Triathlon World Championship in London, logging a time of 57:08 and becoming the first ever U.S. female to earn a gold medal at the competition. The state’s two-time returning Gatorade Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year, Gorman was the fastest South Dakota runner at the 2013 Nike Cross Nationals Heartland Regional championships, earning ninth place in 18:05.7. She was also the runner-up at the Class AA state meet, crossing the line in 14:24.81.

Academic excellence: Gorman has maintained a 3.25 GPA.

Exemplary character: She has volunteered locally on behalf of the Special Olympics, as a Rapid City Racers swim team coach and as an elementary school tutor.

THE PRAISE

“Tamara Gorman is one of the top endurance athletes in the world, yet she remains humble and continues to work harder than ever before,” said Rapid City Stevens head coach Jesse Coy. “Her leadership and contribution to our program will be seen for years to come.”

THE FUTURE: Gorman remains undecided upon a collegiate destination.