School board recognizes Sidney's first Gatorade Player of the Year

SIDNEY -- Karsyn Leeling spent her senior year setting records in track and field. 

In addition to claiming titles in long jump, triple jump, and high jump. She went on to clear six feet at the Nike Outdoor Nationals. She is also recognized as the Gatorade Player of the Year for 2023-2024.

"Since 1985, the Gatorade Player of the Year Award has recognized the nation's most elite high school student athletes for their accomplishments on and off the field. In each of the 50 states, and the District of Columbia, one Gatorade State Player of the Year Award is awarded in 12 sports. Gatorade recently announced Karsyn Leeling of Sidney High School as the 2023-2024 Gatorade Nebraska's Track and Field Player of the Year," Sidney School Board President Mike Palmer read in recognizing Leeling's achievements.

Leeling is the first Gatorade Player of the Year to be chosen from Sidney High School. 

"The Gatorade Player of the Year holds athletes to the highest standards. By recognizing the nation's most outstanding student athletes for  accomplishments on the field of play and beyond. Karsyn is the first Gatorade Nebraska Girls Track and Field Player of the Year to be chosen from Sidney High School," Palmer said.

Leeling also volunteered locally, teaching  summer swimming lessons and various youth sports camps. She plans to attend the University of Nebraska this fall where she will continue track and field competition.

Each Player of the Year is awarded with a $1,000 grant to be donated to a local or national youth sports organization.