Ruston’s Lily Garrett wins Gatorade cross country player of the year in Louisiana
Ruston’s Lily Garrett was named the school’s first winner of the Gatorade Louisiana Girls Cross Country Player of the Year.
The 5-foot-6 junior was the LHSAA Class 5A state champion at the meet in Natchitoches with a time of 18:08.30 over the 5K course. It was the sixth fastest time in history over the Natchitoches course.
“I’m very excited to win the Gatorade POY. It has taken a lot of hard work and sacrifice,” Garrett told Gannett Louisiana. “My goal is never to win awards, but it sure is nice when you’re recognized with one, especially of this caliber.”
Garrett, who maintains a 3.22 GPA, has a personal best of 17:27.31, which she set at the 2021 5A Region I meet. Garrett was the Times Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year.
“Lily has improved a ton over last season,” Ruston cross country coach Dustin Cochran said. “I challenged her at the beginning of the summer to make a few changes and I’m happy she made those changes. We’re looking forward to her getting better from her on out.”
The Gatorade award, which recognizes both athletic and academic achievement makes Garrett a finalist for the national award to be announced in February.
“Lily is a true testament to if you put in the necessary work, good things will happen,” Ruston track coach Allen Whitacker said. “I’m excited for her and her family to receive such an honor.”
Byrd's Jenna Key was a candidate for the award.
SHREVEPORT WINNER: Calvary's Landry Lyddy also won Gatorade honor
Jimmy Watson covers Shreveport-Bossier area sports. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Ruston's Lily Garrett wins Louisiana Gatorade Cross Country award
