Madeline DiMaria, who two years ago became the first freshman to win the Gatorade National Player of the Year award, was again announced as the winner of the most prestigious award in high school soccer. The No. 1-ranked recruit in the country put forth a sensational junior season, recording 67 goals and 25 assists to lead a 25-0 Cor Jesu Academy campaign that culminated with a hat trick in the Missouri Class 4 state final.

The three-time Gatorade Missouri Player of the Year becomes just the second to win the national award twice, after Morgan Andrews (2012-13), an accomplishment she discussed with TopDrawerSoccer. “It’s just crazy to see all the names on there. So being able to not only win it once, but to win it twice, is just the biggest honor.”

In all, the legendary forward won a state championship in all three seasons, compiling 142 goals and 65 assists and a 68-5 record. When asked about her favorite moment of that historic run, DiMaria was quick to point to completing the three-peat. “Lifting the third trophy, being a captain on my team, being surrounded by my teammates, and just it all came together. It was the perfect end to my three years of high school.”

DiMaria, who will forgo her senior season as an early enrollee at North Carolina, comes from a long line of American soccer stars. That family background includes a grandfather in the Saint Louis Hall of Fame, a father who played in the MLS, a mother who finished second in career assists at Loyola-Chicago, and two siblings who have played NCAA Division I soccer, with a third recently earning a call-up to the U.S. U15 boys national team.

“I could talk about my family and just the impact they've had on me, and they’ve truly developed me into the person I am today. I owe it to my parents and to my siblings. I would never be where I am without them.”

The USYNT star will leave a lasting legacy at Cor Jesu, not just for her attacking prowess, but also for her dedication to the program, at times turning down the youth national team to play in a championship game. 

“It is my favorite time of the year . . . High school soccer has been such a huge blessing in my life. It is truly an atmosphere that you’ll never really experience anywhere else with your school rallying around you, your family, your friends, everyone.” DiMaria said before adding, “I think it’s developed me in ways that some people don’t see, and it’s pushed me to become a better player by providing different challenges and solving the game in different ways.”

Next up for DiMaria is the college level, as she will complete one more semester of high school before enrolling at North Carolina as one of the most anticipated recruits in program history.

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