ATHENS, Ohio — Athens, Ohio native and Gatorade Ohio Cross Country Player of the Year, Sophia Szolosi, awarded The Wildflower Legacy Foundation with a $1,000 grant.
Sports have seen a double-digit decline over the past decade, largely due to tighter budgets in communities, but young people that participate in sports are found to be happier, healthier and better students. As part of Gatorade’s commitment to breaking down barriers in sport, every Player of the Year receives a grant to donate to a social impact partner of their choice.
“The Gatorade Player of the Year award highlights student-athletes who set an example both on and off the field,” said Cameron Pettigrew, Associate Marketing Manager for Gatorade Player of the Year. “The grants give these athletes a chance to donate to organizations like, The Wildflower Legacy Foundation, that positively impacts the youth in their own communities.”
“We are so humbled that Sophia nominated us as her organization of choice. To be able to highlight our organization and mission of helping children in our community participate in sports and have the needed gear and equiptment, no matter the cost, means the absolute world. We have seen a spike in the need for funds for families since we began our work in 2022,” said Meredith White, Founder and Director of The Wildflower Legacy Foundation. Meredith continues, “We do this all to honor our daughter, Hattie, who was born still in 2021. Every parent or guardian should have the opportunity to watch a child they love, do what they love—something we have missed out on.”
All 610 Gatorade State Player of the Year recipients are awarded a grant to donate to a social impact partner of their choice. Each Player of the Year can also submit a video about why their organization is deserving of one of 12 Spotlight Grants, which awards an additional $10,000 to the organization.To date, Player of the Year winners’ grants have totaled more than $6.4 million in grants to winners across more than 2,200 organizations.
Gatorade has a longstanding history of serving athlete communities and it’s ambition is to continue doing more to create positive change. Most recently, Gatorade announced its Fuel Tomorrow commitment, a multi-year initiative to provide opportunities for everyone to play sports and realize their potential.
To keep up to date on the latest happenings, become a fan of Gatorade Player of the Year on Facebook and follow the conversation on Twitter #GatoradePOY. For more on Gatorade Player of the Year Community Grants, the Gatorade Player of the Year, including nomination information, a complete list of past winners and the announcement of the Gatorade National Player of the Year, visit PlayerOfTheYear.Gatorade.com
About Gatorade Player of the Year
The Gatorade Player of the Year Program honors the top athletes in high school sports, champions the next generation of greats by recognizing their all-around excellence and propels their futures with ongoing, unmatched support and opportunities only Gatorade’s legacy in sport can provide. Gatorade Player of the Year is the top honor in high school sports, celebrating the nation’s best high school athletes for their excellence in sport, academics and community. From professional athletes and coaches to CEOs, Gatorade Player of the Year alumni showcase the power of sport and serve as role models for the next generation of greats. The program has an elite legacy, including star alums like Peyton Manning, Paige Bueckers, Cooper Flagg, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and more.
About The Wildflower Legacy Foundation
The Wildflower Legacy Foundation is a 501©3 nonprofit organization based in Athens, Ohio, committed to honoring legacy through service and support for local children and families. By creating opportunities for experiences, education, and community connection, the foundation strives to help young people grow, participate, and flourish—no matter the cost.
Founded with the mission of honoring the life of daughter, Hattie Jean White (stillborn in 2021), strengthening community connections, and investing in the future of children, the Wildflower Legacy Foundation works to provide financial assistance and unique experiences that might otherwise be out of reach for many families.
