Sydney Masciarelli '21 Named Gatorade Connecticut Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year

Marianapolis Prep sophomore Sydney Masciarelli of Northbridge, MA, has been named the Gatorade Connecticut Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year.

The award “recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the racecourse.” Masciarelli is now a finalist for the Gatorade National Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year, to be announced in February.

It was a historic season for Masciarelli as she completed her first season of high school cross country by being crowned the Foot Locker National Champion with a time of 17:00. She shattered records throughout the fall on her way to Nationals, including beating Olympian Shalane Flanagan’s under-18 record at the Mayor’s Cup in Boston with a time of 17:04. She won the NEPSTA Division IV Championships, and the Foot Locker Northeast Championship with a time of 17:12 which was the fourth fastest time in race history.

“Sydney is a quietly confident and extremely humble athlete who has an unmatched natural ability for running,” said Marianapolis Cross Country Head Coach Emily Gaudet. “She never makes a big deal about her achievements and is always looking to improve.”

Masciarelli, who is currently in the middle of basketball season on the girls’ varsity team, said that she “feels honored to be given such a prestigious award. This achievement in my life motivates me to work harder and come back stronger next season.”

As part of Gatorade’s “Play it Forward” platform, Masciarelli has the chance to award a $1,000 grant to a local or national youth sports organization of her choosing. In addition, she has the opportunity to submit an essay to win one of 12 $10,000 spotlight grants for an organization of her choosing.

“The athletic department is incredibly proud of Sydney and she deserves this award based on her dedication, determination, and desire to improve each and every day,” said Marianapolis Athletic Director Andrew Vitale. “We could not be happier for Sydney and her family.”