Aurora student-athlete Kaeli Powe earns prestigious award

AURORA, Colo. — Inside Legacy Stadium at Cherokee Trail High School, Kaeli Powe stretched and hopped in place as she lined up at the 100-meter line. Untied shoelaces, black jeans, light pink acrylics — Powe didn’t look ready to run, but she lowered herself onto one knee as her nails edged the white starting line.

With a lightning-quick first step, she exploded down the track and jumped over one, two, three hurdles. 

“I have track practice later, this is just a warm-up,” said Powe, not breaking a sweat. 

Gatorade named Kaeli Powe as Colorado’s female track & field athlete of the year on June 24. The illustrious annual award dates back to 1985. It highlights the best student-athletes for their success on and off the field.

Every state and the District of Columbia has 12 winners in 12 sports. Out of these 610 athletes, 12 Gatorade National Players of the Year are selected. 

A committee made up of coaches, schools and media members across the nation selects athletes for the award.

Powe is the first Aurora girls’ track and field athlete to win the award since Ana Holland in 2013.