Olivia Raymond
Bradley Collier
In its 39th year of honoring the nation's most elite high school athletes for excellence on and off the field of play, Gatorade today announced DJ Lagway of Willis High School in Willis, Texas is the 2023-24 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year.
By Gatorade
Lagway joins an impressive group of former Gatorade National Football Players of the Year who have combined for more than six NFL MVPs awards, 31 Pro Bowl appearances, six NFL first round draft picks and two Hall of Famers. Lagway was selected from more than one million other student-athletes who play high school football nationwide after being named a Top-3 finalist for the top-honor in high-school sports.
Former NFL star, Florida Gator and 1986-87 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year Emmitt Smith surprised Lagway with the trophy at the University of Florida surrounded by Lagway’s family, coaches and teammates. Lagway, who arrived on campus for move-in that morning, thought he was needed for a content shoot on the football field but walked in to find Smith holding the trophy instead. Afterwards, Lagway got a taste of the pro athlete experience with a styling session, photoshoot and media interviews.
By Gatorade
Gatorade Player of the Year is the top honor in high school sports, celebrating the nation’s best high school athletes for their success on and off the playing surface. From CEOs and coaches to star athletes, Gatorade Player of the Year winners showcase the power of sport, touting an all-star group of football alumni that includes Peyton Manning, Nick Singleton and Jackson Arnold.
Gatorade Players of the Year are not only the best of the best in their respective sports, but they’re also leaders in the classroom and in their communities. Lagway has volunteered locally at eldercare facilities, playing games and creating arts and crafts with the residents. He also has donated his time to a community foodbank and as a public speaker at schools and churches in the area, speaking with younger students about what it takes to succeed in school as well as athletics. Lagway has maintained a 3.48 GPA in the classroom and is enrolled at the University of Florida, where he will play football next fall.
“Selecting Lagway as the top high school football player in the nation is a testament to his hard work on the field, in the classroom and in his community,” said Gatorade president and general manager Michael Del Pozzo. “His athleticism combined with his contributions in his community and classroom embody what it takes to be a Gatorade Player of the Year.”
As part of Gatorade’s commitment to breaking down barriers in sport, every Player of the Year also receives a grant to donate to a social impact partner. To date, the Gatorade Player of the Year program has provided more than $4.9 million in grants to winners across more than 1,900 organizations.
To learn more about the Gatorade Player of the Year program, check out past winners or to nominate student-athletes, visit playeroftheyear.gatorade.com.
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Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
IN RECENT YEARS, MACARTHUR HAS EMERGED AS A LEGITIMATE CONTENDER IN TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER.
Their successes can be chalked up to compelling coaching, as well as a palpable chemistry among the roster that is upheld by the team captains.
Last season’s run, which included an undefeated district championship and a trip to the Regional Quarterfinals, saw the Generals’ GK Ricardo Cerda step up in a major way. He earned all-state honors in addition to being named one of this year’s captains.
Ironically, the MacArthur senior wasn’t always in goal.
“I started playing when I was four years old, but I was actually a striker to begin with,” said Cerda. “But, when I was eight, our goalie didn’t end up going to the game so I decided to give it a try. Ever since then, I’ve loved it. People might call me crazy for it, but I love the position.”
Being a keeper is one of the more stressful positions in the game. There’s nothing sweeter as a keeper than when a stellar save is made. Conversely, allowing a shot to hit the back of the net can be equally disheartening.
So, how does Cerda deal with that rollercoaster of emotions in the net?
“I won’t say that I don’t care when the opponent scores, but
I just try to not let it go to my head,” he said. “I just continue playing my game and maintain my focus throughout the contest. At the end of the day, just have fun. You can’t lose that mentality, and there will always be teammates to cover for you and support you.”
Chemistry is key on the pitch, which is what Cerda attributes his rapid progression as a player.
“Most of my personal growth and development has come from my teammates,” Cerda said. “The upperclassmen last year, they taught me a lot, especially from the previous captains. They taught me everything I know about being a leader and how to keep improving myself.”
Soccer can be a year-round gig for some, considering many players often play on club teams as well. So, what does Cerda do to take the edge off?
“I love to travel and I love to hike, especially,” he said. “The best place I’ve hiked was probably in Colorado. It was kind of difficult because of the altitude and snow, but I’m always up for a challenge.”
Given that this is his final season with MacArthur, before potentially playing in college, the Generals’ keeper has one goal in mind.
“I want to leave my team, winning,” said Cerda. “I want us to continue pushing on into the playoffs and hopefully advance past the Regional Finals. In the third round, I want that game against The Woodlands again, since we’ve had some close losses to them the last two years. That would be a really nice send-off.”
Cerda said he likes to travel. If this team is anything like it was last Winter, Big Mac soccer might just be going on a trip to the State Championship come April.
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VYPE AWARDS: 2023 Public School Volleyball presented by Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
03 Jan, 2024
Welcome to the 2023-2024 VYPE Awards presented by Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, where we at VYPE will recognize the top teams and athletes in his and her respective sports.
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CLICK HERE to view the 2023 All-VYPE Public School Volleyball Team
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PLAYER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
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Watch the video below to find out who won the Public School Volleyball VYPE Awards presented by Houston Methodist Orthopedic & Sports Medicine
Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is Houston's leading provider of orthopedic services, from sports medicine to joint replacement. Houston Methodist offers comprehensive diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitative services with a high standard of excellence for elite athletes, active adults and student athletes. Houston Methodist serves as the official health care provider for the Houston Texans, Houston Astros, Rice Athletics, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™, Houston Ballet, Houston Symphony and Houston Grand Opera.
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