Not long after her high school graduation, Kiristen McGirt moved to the University of Tennessee to begin preparing for her first college season.
But there is one final Louisiana honor for the East Ascension throws standout. McGirt has been selected as the Gatorade Louisiana Girls Track Athlete of the Year.
The honor gives the Baton Rouge area a sweep of 2025 Gatorade track honors. Parkview Baptist middle distance/distance runner Aiden Monistere was announced as the Louisiana boys winner last week.
A third local standout, Catholic High catcher Andrew Clapinski, won Gatorade’s baseball honor.
“I honestly did not know much about this award until I was nominated for it,” McGirt said. “So, I researched it and realized this was something I would love to be part of.
“I had the best year of my high school career. I not only met goals, I surpassed them. I am extremely grateful and extremely happy to receive this award.”
McGirt became the first Louisiana girl to surpass the 50-foot barrier in the shot put when she opened the 2025 outdoor season with a toss of 50 feet, 4 inches at Zachary’s Bronco Relays. That distance ranks fifth nationally.
The Outstanding Field Performer on The Advocate’s All-Metro track & field team, McGirt also was the Class 5A champion in the shot put and discus at the LHSAA state track and field meet in May at LSU.
She recorded her best discus toss of 148-11 at the Dutchtown Invitational and had the state’s top mark in both of her throws specialties.
“Kiristen McGirt has produced four throws of 48-6 or further since January (during indoor season) and ripped off the state’s only 50-foot effort in history this season,” said Rich Gonzalez, editor of PrepCalTrack.com. “She also flirted with 150 feet in the discus event. I think her résumé was the best in Louisiana.”
McGirt also fits the Gatorade criteria that factors in academic excellence and community service. She carried a weighted 3.66 GPA at East Ascension.
In addition to working as a volunteer throws coach for younger competitors with the Endeavor Athletics track club, McGirt started a Bible study group at her local church.
This is the 40th year Gatorade has honored high school athletes from all 50 states and the District of Columbia in 12 sports.