While Marlee Starliper didn't get the opportunity to close out her high school career outdoors on the track, she still earned one last honor.
Starliper has been named the Gatorade Girls' Track & Field Athlete of the Year, which was announced Thursday morning. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Gatorade used indoor performances from this past winter to help determine its choices for athlete of the year. Typically, only outdoor performances are considered.
It was a big indoor season for the Northern senior, who closed out her prep career in a big way before she heads to Raleigh in the fall to join NC State.
After a successful XC season that saw her place second at Foot Locker Nationals, Starliper flew on the track as well. She won the mile at the Millrose Games for a second straight season, breaking her own meet record and taking down the PA state record with a 4:37.76, which is also the fifth fastest time in U.S. prep history. A week later, she clocked a 9:07.14 for 3,000 meters, also a PA state record and the fourth fastest time in U.S. high school history.
At the PTFCA Indoor State Championships, she ran to two state titles, winning the mile and the 3K, replicating her double victory at PSU from her sophomore year.
Check out the state-by-state list of girls' Gatorade Players of the Year here.
