Owensboro, Ky. (Jan. 20, 2026) — Owensboro, KY native and 2025 Gatorade KY Football Player of the Year, Evan Hampton, awarded ODC Youth Football with a $1,000 grant to help accomplish our goal of providing positive educational experience in a structured league. Our goal is to help young athletes learn basic rules, sportsmanship, team work and fundamentals of the great game of football while building friendships, learning leadership roles, life lessons and becoming better citizens.
Sports have seen a double-digit decline over the past decade, largely due to tighter budgets in communities, but young people that participate in sports are found to be happier, healthier and better students. As part of Gatorade’s commitment to breaking down barriers in sport, every Player of the Year receives a grant to donate to a social impact partner of their choice.
The Gatorade Player of the Year award highlights student-athletes who set an example both on and off the field,” said Cameron Pettigrew, Associate Marketing Manager for Gatorade Player of the Year. “The grants give these athletes a chance to donate to organizations like, ODC Youth Football League, that positively impacts the youth in their own communities.”
“We have enjoyed watching Evan play since he was a kid running on our fields," said Sarah Price, ODC League Official. "He has grown into a phenomenal player and young man. We are thankful for this grant and the opportunity to use this money to buy equipment and help with player scholarships for the youth in our community. We are excited to continue cheering for Evan as he continues his football career at Vanderbilt.”
All 610 Gatorade State Player of the Year recipients are awarded a grant to donate to a social impact partner of their choice. Each Player of the Year can also submit a video about why their organization is deserving of one of 12 Spotlight Grants, which awards an additional $10,000 to the organization.To date, Player of the Year winners’ grants have totaled more than $6.4 million in grants to winners across more than 2,200 organizations.
Gatorade has a longstanding history of serving athlete communities and it’s ambition is to continue doing more to create positive change. Most recently, Gatorade announced its Fuel Tomorrow commitment, a multi-year initiative to provide opportunities for everyone to play sports and realize their potential.
To keep up to date on the latest happenings, become a fan of Gatorade Player of the Year on Facebook and follow the conversation on Twitter #GatoradePOY. For more on Gatorade Player of the Year Community Grants, the Gatorade Player of the Year, including nomination information, a complete list of past winners and the announcement of the Gatorade National Player of the Year, visit PlayerOfTheYear.Gatorade.com
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About Gatorade Player of the Year
The Gatorade Player of the Year Program honors the top athletes in high school sports, champions the next generation of greats by recognizing their all-around excellence and propels their futures with ongoing, unmatched support and opportunities only Gatorade’s legacy in sport can provide. Gatorade Player of the Year is the top honor in high school sports, celebrating the nation’s best high school athletes for their excellence in sport, academics and community. From professional athletes and coaches to CEOs, Gatorade Player of the Year alumni showcase the power of sport and serve as role models for the next generation of greats. The program has an elite legacy, including star alums like Peyton Manning, Paige Bueckers, Cooper Flagg, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and more.