CHICAGO (June 14, 2024) — Gatorade today announced Braden Gritz of Fort Mill High School as the 2023-24 Gatorade South Carolina Boys Soccer Player of the Year. Gritz is the first player from Fort Mill High School to receive this prestigious award.
The award recognizes not only athletic excellence but also academic achievement and community contributions. Gritz led the Yellow Jackets to a 16-8-1 record and the Class 5A state championship, scoring 25 goals and providing two assists during the season. He concluded his high school career with a school-record 56 goals.
In addition to his athletic accomplishments, Gritz has volunteered with the Henry Kalungi Foundation, collecting and donating clothing and soccer equipment to children in East Africa. He has also maintained a weighted 4.09 GPA and has signed a national letter of intent to play soccer on scholarship at the College of Charleston.
The Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one winner in each state and the District of Columbia, who sanction high school sports. Gritz joins a distinguished list of past Gatorade South Carolina Boys Soccer Players of the Year.
As part of the award, Gritz will receive a grant to donate to a social impact partner. The Gatorade Player of the Year program has provided over $4.9 million in grants to winners across more than 1,900 organizations.
For more information on the Gatorade Player of the Year program, visit playeroftheyear.gatorade.com
Press Release available here.
