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: Katherine Cowan

THE BASICS

School: St. Johnsbury Academy (St. Johnsbury, Vt.)
Grade: Sophomore
Height: 6-foot-1

Athletic achievement: She captured three individual state championships at the Division I state meet this past season, leading the Hilltoppers to a state championship as a team. Cowan won the 100-meter high hurdles, the 300-meter low hurdles and the 200-meter dash, and she also took bronze in the high jump. A 12-time state champion, she scored a state-record 5,156 points at the Vermont Decathlon Championships.

Academic excellence: Cowan has maintained a B-plus average.

Exemplary character: She has volunteered locally as a mentor to a youth hurdler and with the Special Olympics. She has also donated her time to area beautification projects.

THE PRAISE

“Katherine Cowan has been a dominant force this year in Vermont,” said Nate Bradbury, head coach of South Burlington High. “She has had a phenomenal spring following an impressive winter.”

THE FUTURE: Cowan will begin her junior year of high school this fall.