Dan Klink named Gatorade National Player of the Year
In its 40th year of honoring the nation’s most elite high school athletes for excellence on the field of play, in the classroom and in their communities, Gatorade today announced Dan Klink of Loyola Blakefield in Townson, M.D. is the 2024-25 Gatorade National Boys Soccer Player of the Year. Klink joins an all-star group of former Gatorade National Boys Soccer Players of the Year who have combinedfor more than 12 National Championships and 13 MLS first round draft picks. Klink was selected from more than half a million other student-athletes who play high school boys soccer nationwide.
Klink was surprised with the trophy at school surrounded by his family, coaches and teammates, and he also received a video call from professional soccer player and Gatorade Athlete Christian Pulisic congratulating him on the honor. Following the surprise, Klink got a taste of the pro athlete experience with a styling session, photoshoot and media interviews. Check out assets from the day here.
More than a trophy, Gatorade Player of the Year has a 40-year legacy recognizing and celebrating the next generation unlike anyone else, from one-on-one connections to their favorite pros to first access to Gatorade Drops and participation in community initiatives. From CEOs and coaches to elite professional athletes, Gatorade Player of the Year Winners showcase the power of sport, touting an impressive group of boys soccer alumni that includes Ben Bender (2019-20, Calvert Hall College High School, M.D.) and Ransford Gyan (2022-23 & 2023-24, St. Benedict’s Preparatory School, N.J.).
“It’s undeniable that Dan has proven on and off the field he deserves to join the long line of past Gatorade Players of the Year,” said Gatorade Chief Brand Officer Anuj Bhasin. “There is such a high level of talent among the nearly half a million student-athletes across the nation who compete in boys soccer, but Dan stands out for excelling in the classroom and making a difference in his community.”
Gatorade Players of the Year are not only the best of the best in their respective sports, but they’re also role models and leaders off the field. The founder and president of the Sports Analytics Club at Loyola Blakefield School, Klink has participated in the Arrupe Leaders Summit, which promotes social justice. He has volunteered locally with Beans and Bread and the Francis X. Gallagher Services, while also donating his time with multiple community service initiatives through his church youth group in addition to coaching youth soccer. Klink has maintained a 3.89 weighted GPA in the classroom and has signed a written letter of athletic aid to play soccer at the University of North Carolina this fall.
“Often described as a towering presence on the field with his physical frame, it feels like Dan Klink’s shadow encompasses the whole field for the opposition,” says J.R. Eskilson, a national analyst for Prep Soccer: “The Loyola Blakefield star had a dominant senior campaign. Playing with defenders draped on his back like a cape, Klink found a way to leap to new heights for his school in any role he was asked to serve. Versatile, competitive and athletic, Klink proved during this high school season he was the most impactful player in high school soccer.”
As part of Gatorade’s commitment to breaking down barriers in sport, every Player of the Year also receives a grant to donate to a social impact partner. To date, the Gatorade Player of the Year program has provided more than $5.6 million in grants to winners across more than 2,000 organizations.
To learn more about the Gatorade Player of the Year program, check out past winners or to nominate student-athletes, visit playeroftheyear.gatorade.com.
