While watching Maddie DiMaria play at the MSHSAA Soccer Championships earlier this month, a famous Brent Musburger quote kept entering my mind.
“You are watching what greatness is all about.”
The standing ovation DiMaria received suggested those in attendance felt the same way.
On Wednesday, Gatorade acknowledged that greatness by announcing Maddie DiMaria of Cor Jesu Academy as its 2025-26 National Girls Soccer of the Year, selecting her from nearly a half a million girls who play high school soccer nationwide.
DiMaria, who also won the 2023-24 award as a freshman, received the news while surrounded by teammates, family and friends. She also received a congratulatory video call from FIFA World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist Mallory Swanson, the 2014-15 Gatorade National Player of the Year.
“The Gatorade Player of the Year program celebrates the next generation of athletes who are shaping the future of sport, and Maddie DiMaria does just that as she embodies greatness on and off the field,” said Jennifer Schmit, Senior Director of Gatorade Brand Marketing.
DiMaria scored 67 goals and added 25 assists in leading Cor Jesu to an undefeated, 25-0 state championship season. She scored four goals in the state semifinal and three in the state title game. For a career, she accumulated 142 goals and 65 assists in three seasons.
DiMaria, who sports a 4.24 GPA, will graduate early from high school and head to the University of North Carolina, thus ending a decorated high school career in which she helped Cor Jesu earn three consecutive state titles.
“Now that her high school career has ended, Maddie DiMaria’s accomplishments place her among the elite players to ever compete at this level,” said JR Eskilson, Prep Soccer National Analyst. “There are plenty of superlatives to describe her game, but ‘fiercely competitive’ may be most fitting… The ruthless mentality in front of net was always present, but her ability to win aerial duels, finish through traffic and perfectly time her runs highlighted a new level to her game. She consistently delivered in the biggest moments.”
DiMaria’s leadership on the field matched her generosity off it. Her volunteer efforts include working on behalf of the Special Needs Soccer Association, St. Louis Foodbank and as a member of her school’s Green Team Club, dedicated to raising environmental awareness.
She earned the applause with her skill, but she earned the respect by being a part of the bigger picture,” Cor Jesu coach Rachel Brcic said. “She is grateful and humble for what she has accomplished, and you can’t ask for anything more than that.”
After the last two state championship games, DiMaria signed her autograph on the shirts of young, adoring fans by the dozens.
“It’s kind of surreal. I would have never thought a kid would want my autograph, but seeing all those kids being fans of mine is such an honor. I just try to set the best example for them on and off the field,” DiMaria said after the 2026 state title game.
She added, “I’m so lucky for the three years I’ve had.”
And how lucky are we, for having witnessed the greatness of Maddie DiMaria right in our backyard.
Gatorade is in its 41st year celebrating the nation’s best high school athletes for excellence in sport, academics and community. Former Gatorade National Girls Soccer Players of the Year have combined for more than 17 gold medals and nine National Championships.
For more stories regarding Maddie DiMaria, visit: https://metrosportsstl.com/category/soccer/