The Gatorade Player of the Year award recognizes the nation’s most elite high school students for their athletic excellence, academic achievement, and exemplary character.

Past winners include legends such as Candace Parker, Breanna Stewart, and Paige Bueckers, players who went on to dominate in college, the pros, and even the Olympic stage.

This year, Kate Harpring steps into that spotlight. 

On March 13, 2025, Gatorade announced junior shooting guard Kate Harpring as its 2024-2025 Georgia Girls Basketball Gatorade Player of the Year. The announcement made Harpring only the fifth Georgia student to take home the prestigious award. 

Harping reflected on what it means to join some of the biggest names in girls basketball. “I was honored and thankful to be recognized for all the hard work I put in to get this award,” Harping said. “It reminds me of how many girls are so talented, and that I am happy to be considered one of them,” she  added.

On the court, Harpring led the War Eagles to a 29-3 record and a 4A state semifinal appearance averaging 32.2 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. 

Harpring also has already reached 2,000 career points and 500 career rebounds with still another season of high school basketball left to play. She concluded her junior year with 2,533 points in her prep basketball career.

Beyond her impressive performance on the court, Harpring’s success extends further into our school and our campus community.

Harping volunteers often with the Sandwich Project, which distributes meals to food-insecure people in our community. Such work demonstrates Harping possesses the same level of commitment to her character and community as she does to her athletic performance.

Aware of her inspiring role, Harpring had some advice to younger athletes. “Work hard and it will pay off,” Harpring shared.

Kate Harpring’s story highlights that true success comes from a balance of skill, character, and relentless effort.