Home / Sports / Tatum & Felix Crown Top HS Athletes at ESPYS
Tatum & Felix Crown Top HS Athletes at ESPYS
16 Jul
Summary
- Grady Emerson and Maddie DiMaria named top high school athletes.
- Awards presented by Jayson Tatum and Allyson Felix at ESPYS.
- Honorees recognized for athletics, academics, and community impact.
Grady Emerson and Maddie DiMaria have been recognized as Gatorade's Best Male and Best Female Players of the Year for 2025-26, marking them as the nation's premier high school athletes. The esteemed awards were presented at the 2026 ESPY Awards in New York City by athletic luminaries Jayson Tatum and Allyson Felix, past recipients of the honor.
Emerson, a highly-touted shortstop and recent second overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, achieved remarkable success, leading his team to a state championship with an impressive .508 batting average. DiMaria, a two-time Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year, was instrumental in her team's undefeated 25-0 season, scoring 67 goals.
Both athletes were celebrated not only for their athletic prowess but also for their academic achievements and dedication to community service. The recognition highlights Gatorade's commitment to nurturing young talent through its Player of the Year program, which offers extensive support and opportunities.
