Maddie DiMaria '27 has once again been named the Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year, becoming one of the few student-athletes in the nation to earn the prestigious honor multiple times. The award is presented annually to the top high school girls soccer player in the United States and recognizes excellence in athletics, academics and character.

Maddie first made history in 2023-24 when she became the first freshman ever selected as Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year. Two years later, she has continued to raise the standard.

This spring, Maddie helped lead Cor Jesu to a perfect 25-0 season and the program's third consecutive state championship. The Chargers capped off one of the most exciting seasons in school history with a 5-0 victory in the state title game, becoming the fourth girls soccer team in Missouri history to finish a season undefeated.

Maddie is a dynamic forward with the ability to create opportunities for herself and her teammates. During her Cor Jesu career, she surpassed the 100-goal milestone, an achievement reached by only a select group of high school players. Her impact on the program has been immediate and historic, helping lead the Chargers to three consecutive state championships and a season in which Cor Jesu was consistently ranked No. 1 in the nation by United Soccer Coaches.

Beyond her accomplishments at Cor Jesu, Maddie competes at the highest levels of youth soccer in the United States. She is a member of the U.S. Under-17 Women's National Team player pool and has represented her country in international competition. Her success on both the national and international stages has established her as one of the premier young players in the country.

While her statistics and accolades are remarkable, those who know Maddie best point to her work ethic, humility and commitment to her teammates. Whether she is competing on the national stage or wearing the Cor Jesu jersey, she consistently demonstrates the values that define a Charger. As Prep Soccer National Analyst JR Eskilson noted, "There are plenty of superlatives to describe her game, but fiercely competitive may be most fitting."

As a student-athlete, Maddie has balanced national-level competition with academic excellence and a deep commitment to serving others. She maintained a 4.24 weighted GPA while volunteering with Christian Action Reaching Everyone, the Special Needs Soccer Association, the St. Louis Area Foodbank and the Arnold Food Pantry. She also served as a Cor Jesu Shadow Guide, participated in Green Team activities and volunteered at Cor Jesu youth soccer and basketball camps.

Maddie represents the very best of what the Gatorade Player of the Year award seeks to recognize: athletic achievement, academic success and strength of character.

While Maddie's impact on Cor Jesu Soccer will be felt for years to come, the 2025-26 season marked the conclusion of her high school playing career. Maddie will graduate early and enroll at the University of North Carolina, where she will continue her academic and athletic journey as a member of one of the nation's premier collegiate soccer programs.

Although Cor Jesu fans were looking forward to one more season in red and white, Maddie leaves Cor Jesu having already built a legacy few student-athletes can match. Maddie's accomplishments include becoming the first freshman ever named Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year, surpassing 100 career goals, helping lead three consecutive state championship teams and earning a second national player of the year honor, all while elevating Cor Jesu Soccer to unprecedented heights.

Her achievements place her among the most accomplished student-athletes in both Cor Jesu and Missouri high school soccer history, and her influence on the program extends far beyond wins, goals and awards.

We will certainly miss seeing Maddie on the pitch next year, but we are incredibly grateful for everything she has contributed to our school and soccer program. We look forward to cheering her on as she begins the next chapter of her journey at North Carolina and continues pursuing excellence at the highest levels of the game.

Congratulations, Maddie, on this extraordinary honor. The entire Cor Jesu community is proud to celebrate this historic achievement.