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Herriman Today
By the People, for the People
Herriman Runner Wins Gatorade Player of the Year
Jackson Spencer surprised with prestigious cross country award
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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Herriman High School runner Jackson Spencer was named the National Gatorade Player of the Year in cross country after an undefeated senior season that included winning the 6A State championship and national titles at Brooks XC Championships and Nike Cross Nationals. Spencer was surprised with the award at a special celebration attended by his family, friends, teammates, and 2-time Gatorade Player of the Year and Olympic distance runner Grant Fisher.
Why it matters
The Gatorade Player of the Year award is one of the most prestigious individual honors in high school sports, recognizing not just athletic excellence but also academic achievement and community service. Spencer's win highlights the strength of Herriman's cross country program and the local community's support for its student-athletes.
The details
At a surprise celebration in Herriman High School's weight room, Spencer was presented the Gatorade Player of the Year trophy by 2-time winner and Olympic runner Grant Fisher. Spencer, a BYU commit, went undefeated in his senior cross country season, winning the 6A State title as well as national championships at the Brooks XC Championships and Nike Cross Nationals.
- On February 18, 2026, Jackson Spencer was surprised with the Gatorade Player of the Year award at Herriman High School.
The players
Jackson Spencer
A senior cross country runner at Herriman High School who was named the National Gatorade Player of the Year after an undefeated senior season.
Grant Fisher
A 2-time Gatorade Player of the Year and Olympic distance runner who presented the award to Jackson Spencer.
What they’re saying
“I've put in a lot, and I've been given a good amount out, so I've been really happy that I've been able to get that award.”
— Jackson Spencer (fox13now.com)
“You have the whole community come together. You have friends come together, family, to celebrate a well-rounded athlete, someone that's active in the community, someone that's a good student.”
— Grant Fisher, 2-time National Gatorade Player of the Year and Olympic distance runner (fox13now.com)
“It's really hard to win this thing. One person in this huge sport across this entire country gets to win it.”
— Grant Fisher, 2-time National Gatorade Player of the Year and Olympic distance runner (fox13now.com)
What’s next
For the full press release on Spencer from Gatorade, click here.
The takeaway
Jackson Spencer's Gatorade Player of the Year award is a testament to his exceptional athletic talent, academic achievements, and community involvement, as well as the strength of Herriman High School's cross country program and the support of the local community.
