The Gatorade State Girls Track & Field Athletes 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 Track & Field Athlete of the Year winners, click here.

THE WINNER: Lynna Irby

THE BASICS

School: Pike (Indianapolis, Ind.)
Grade: Junior
Height: 5-foot-6

Athletic achievement: She won three individual state titles this spring, leading the Red Devils to second place as a team. The state’s returning Gatorade Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year, Irby swept the sprints for the third consecutive season, winning the 100-meter dash with a time of 11.50 seconds, while capturing the 200 in 23.53 and the 400 in 53.71. Her state championship time in the 100 ranked as the nation’s No. 9 performance among prep competitors in 2016 at the time of her selection. Irby was a silver medalist in the 400 last summer at the IAAF World Youth Championships.

Academic excellence: Irby has maintained a 3.74 GPA.

Exemplary character: She has volunteered locally on behalf of youth sports camps.

THE PRAISE

“Lynna is an extraordinary athlete with an exceptional personality,” said Pike head coach De Dee Nathan. “She’s a team leader and she displays a fearless competitive tenacity.”

THE FUTURE: Irby will begin her senior year of high school this fall.