Gatorade Player of the Year Cecelia Ludwig Chooses Girls on the Run Rhode Island for Community Grant
Cecelia Ludwig of Cumberland High School was recognized as the 2025-26 Gatorade Rhode Island Girls Cross Country Player of the Year. This prestigious honor celebrates not just Cecelia’s athletic excellence – she won the Open state meet this past season and was Rhode Island’s top finisher at both the New England Cross Country Championships and at the Nike Cross Northeast Regional Championships – but also her academic achievement, integrity, character, and commitment to her community.
As part of her award, Cecelia chose Girls on the Run Rhode Island to receive a $1,000 grant from Gatorade through their Community Grant program, which empowers athletes to break down barriers in sports in their communities.
To celebrate this meaningful recognition, we asked Cecelia to share what running means to her, why she chose to support Girls on the Run Rhode Island, and what she hopes young girls will gain from the opportunities this grant will create.
More Than a Sport
For Cecelia, running is so much more than a sport.
“There's a lot I love about running. I love the discipline and dedication you have to have, and how it pushes you both physically and mentally. But what makes it even more special to me is how unique running is from other sports... The main reason I love this sport is not just the running but the community and environment you are surrounded by. My favorite part is my teammates. They are the girls who you become so close to that I even call my best friends. But it’s also bigger than just my team. There’s such a positive and supportive community from people you don’t even know... In every other sport, you cheer for your team but in this sport you cheer for everyone because being out there and crossing that finish line is such an accomplishment no matter what place you get.”
Supporting Girls on the Run
That sense of accomplishment, belonging, and community is exactly why she chose to support Girls on the Run Rhode Island with her Gatorade Player of the Year Community Grant.
“Girls on the Run resonated with me because it combines two very important things I care about. Running has been a very important part of my life. It’s a sport that has connected me to many people that are important in my life and is an outlet I use to clear my head... Having this experience has made me care and realize that it is very important and amazing that there is an organization that helps young girls grow mentally and physically. I also really like that Girls on the Run is not just about running. I like that it focuses on helping girls feel confident, strong, and comfortable being themselves. These qualities can be a struggle for some young girls, so having an organization like Girls on the Run is so amazing.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Through this grant, Cecelia wants to encourage girls to “step outside of their comfort zone and try something new, even if it feels challenging at first.”
“Running has taught me a lot about confidence, hard work, and believing in myself, and I hope that other girls can try this sport and have the same impact. I also hope it encourages the girls to see how important it is to support each other because being a part of a team or a community can make such a huge impact. Overall, I hope this award inspires girls to be confident, stay strong, and not to be afraid to go after their goals.”
Cecelia’s generosity will give more girls across Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts the opportunity to build confidence, connect with others, and discover their own strength through Girls on the Run. Her leadership and commitment to empowering the next generation embody the very spirit of our mission.
Thank you, Cecelia, for inspiring girls to believe in themselves, embrace new challenges, and activate their limitless potential. We will be cheering you on as you begin your junior year and at every starting line ahead!