Lake Stevens sophomore sensation Taylor Roe was named the state’s Gatorade Athlete of the Year in girls track and field.
The standout runner swept all three distance races during a historic performance at last month’s state track and field meet, winning Class 4A titles in the 800, 1,600 and 3,200 meters. Roe became the first runner in 4A state history to win state titles in all three distance races in the same year, according to washingtontrack.com.
“I couldn’t be more grateful for this,” Roe said of the award. “My coaches and my teammates have gotten me this far, so I’m very grateful.”
Midway through her high-school career, the distance-running phenom already has seven individual state titles. In addition to last month’s distance trifecta, Roe won state titles in the 1,600 and 3,200 meters as a freshman. She also has claimed back-to-back cross country state titles.
“She makes the incredible look routine,” Lake Stevens distance coach Cliff Chaffee said after last month’s distance sweep. “To have seven (state titles) halfway through her career is incredible. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Roe is the second local athlete this year to earn Gatorade Athlete of the Year honors. Earlier this month, Archbishop Murphy senior Matt Williams was named the state’s Player of the Year in boys soccer.
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