The Gatorade State Girls Cross Country Runners of the Year were selected based on athletic production and impact in the 2015-16 season. Each winner also demonstrated high academic achievement and exemplary personal character, including volunteerism, sportsmanship and community leadership.

For the complete list of Gatorade State Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year winners, click here.

THE WINNER: Amanda Beaman

THE BASICS

School: Iolani School (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Grade: Senior
Position: Distance Runner
Height: 5-foot

Athletic achievement: The distance runner raced to an individual state championship this past season with a time of 18:26.7, leading the Raiders to a third-place finish as a team. A two-time Interscholastic League of Honolulu Runner of the Year, Beaman won the 2015 ILH title with a time of 18:40.4 and was the fastest Hawaii competitor at the Foot Locker West Regional championships, crossing the line in 20:11.4.

Academic excellence: Beaman has maintained a 3.43 GPA.

Exemplary character: She has volunteered locally on behalf of the Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children and the Therapeutic Horsemanship of Hawaii.

THE PRAISE

“Amanda Beaman is a strong cross country runner and is very knowledgeable about the sport,” said Iolani head coach Lauran Yard. “She understands that it takes hard work and dedication in order to be successful in a sport like cross country. She has great focus, determination and work ethic, which has shown in her individual success during her high school cross country career.”

THE FUTURE: Beaman remains undecided upon a collegiate destination.