Katie Brightwell named the Gatorade Alabama Girls Soccer Player of the Year
Former St. James Trojan Katie Brightwell has been named the Gatorade Alabama Girls Soccer Player of the Year. This is an award that is given out yearly to a one player in the District of Columbia and each state that sanctions each of the following sports; high school football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, baseball, softball, and boys and girls track & field. Then from the winners of each state one national player of the year is chosen for each sport. The winners are chosen by the Gatorade Player of the Year Selection Committee, which leverages experts including coaches, scouts, media and others as sources to help evaluate and determine the state winners in each sport.
This award not only given to a player that excels on the playing surface, but also performs in the classroom and serves the community. Brightwell not only excelling on the soccer field as she helped lead her team to the 1A-3A AHSAA Girls Soccer State Title and leads the AHSAA all-time in goals at 259, but she also holds a 4.21 GPA and serves her community in many different capacities.
“Katie is one of the best high school players that I’ve ever seen,” said Zac Cook, head coach of Alabama Christian High School. “Her skill with the ball at her feet and her ability to create space sets her apart. I know that we specifically game-planned to prevent her from scoring and she still had multiple goals against us.”
Brightwell now becomes the first player from St. James to win the Gatorade Alabama Girls Soccer Player of the Year Award.
(Information from Gatorade Player of the Year)
