Two Hawaii-based military teens stationed with their families at United States Army Pacific were recently named Gatorade Players of the Year, one of the highest honors in high school athletics. Sadie Krueger and James Millare are both cross-country runners at Moanalua High School in Honolulu, HI, and earned the title after standout seasons. They represent not just their school and state, but also the strength and resilience of military children.
The Gatorade Player of the Year award goes beyond honoring athletic talent. It highlights students who lead by example in the classroom, on the field and in their communities. For Krueger and Millare, it’s a recognition of their hard work and heart, especially while living within the trials of military life.
Championship titles and historic performances
The award capped off a dream season for freshman Krueger. “I was really excited and honored,” she said. “It was a goal I really wanted to achieve this year.”
She earned the state cross-country title with a 5,000-meter time of 18 minutes, 4.2 seconds—the fastest time by any female in the history of the meet. She finished more than 15 seconds ahead of her nearest competitor, and helped lead Moanalua’s girls team to an eighth-place finish. She went on to place sixth at the Foot Locker West Regional Championships, becoming the first Hawaiian female in 20 years to qualify for the national meet.
Millare, a junior, also dominated the state cross-country scene. He won the Hawaii state championship with a personal-best time of 15 minutes, 57.3 seconds, finishing nearly 30 seconds ahead of the next runner and leading Moanalua’s boys team to a seventh-place finish. He captured the Oahu Interscholastic Association title earlier in the season and was the top Hawaii finisher at the Foot Locker West Regional Championships.
The Army-provided village
For Krueger and Millare, running success didn’t happen in a vacuum. It came alongside the constant motion of military life: new schools, new teammates and the challenge of starting over again and again.
“Being part of a military family has shaped me into being resilient, respectful, and social,” Krueger said. “Every move is a fresh start, but the people around you become your extended family. My teammates in Hawaii welcomed me with open arms.”
Her parents credit the military community with providing strong role models and a built-in support system. “That saying ‘it takes a village’…well, it’s true,” they said. “The Army has provided that village for us. We couldn’t have asked for better people for our kids to be around.”
To other military kids trying to succeed in sports, Krueger offers this advice: “Chase after your goals and put yourself out there,” she said. “You’ll have challenges along the way, but use those as building blocks for success.”
Millare’s season reflected that same perseverance and adaptability. Despite the challenges that come with military life, his focus and consistency have made him a standout both on the course and in the community. Off the track, he has volunteered as a marshal at middle school meets and participated in multiple service projects through his church.
Lessons beyond the finish line
Krueger brings the values of military life to every practice and meet. “Your team is like your battle buddies,” she said. “You work together to help the team win. Lift others up, celebrate their success and even if you lose…congratulate them. That motivates you to get better.”
Her parents agree. “We’ve supported her in as many ways as possible. We started by running with her, and as she got faster, we switched to biking alongside her during training. We just really love watching and supporting her as she runs.”
What’s next?
Krueger is now training for the Hawaii State Track and Field Championship in May, and hopes to qualify for Nike Outdoor Nationals in Oregon. Millare continues to build momentum in his junior year, with more high-level meets ahead.
Both athletes have already proven what military kids can accomplish when they’re supported and empowered, and they’re showing younger athletes that being part of a military family isn’t a limitation — It’s a source of strength.
