Ethan Orchard, a senior midfielder at Ralston Valley High School, has been crowned the 2025-26 Gatorade Colorado Boys Soccer Player of the Year, a distinction that highlights both athletic excellence and community involvement.
During the season he recorded 19 goals and eight assists, guiding the team to an 18-1-1 record and a berth in the Class 5A state championship match.
Off the Field Impact
Beyond the pitch, Orchard has volunteered with the Arvada Food Bank and served as a youth soccer and futsal coach, demonstrating a commitment to service that aligns with the award's broader mission.
His academic performance also stands out, as he has maintained a weighted GPA of 3.95, balancing rigorous coursework with a demanding athletic schedule.
Looking ahead, Orchard will continue his education and soccer career on scholarship at the University of Denver this fall, where he hopes to contribute both on the field and in the classroom.
The Gatorade Player of the Year program, which honors one state winner across 12 sports, has distributed more than $6.4 million in grants to over 2,200 organizations, underscoring its role in supporting youth sports development nationwide.