The Donald W. Reynolds YMCA of Warren and Bradley County announced Tuesday afternoon that Lillie‑Faye McWhorter, this year’s Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year, has awarded the Y a $1,000 grant to strengthen youth sports locally.
A standout graduate of Woodlawn High School and an incoming member of the Arkansas Razorback softball team, McWhorter has deep roots at the YMCA—playing T Ball, softball, basketball, and swimming for the Warren Waves as a child.
McWhorter was honored as the 2024‑25 Gatorade Arkansas Softball Player of the Year, a recognition earned by her dominant high school season: a 22‑1 pitching record with no earned runs allowed, 285 strikeouts in 124 innings, five no‑hit games, a WHIP of 0.44, plus a .483 batting average with 41 RBIs and six home runs Facebook+7Saline River News+7Arkansas Razorbacks+7. She also maintained a 4.08 GPA and volunteered as a youth coach and community service through Beta Club Saline River News+1Arkansas Razorbacks+1.
As part of the Gatorade Player of the Year program, all 610 state winners receive a grant to support a social-impact partner. McWhorter selected the DWR YMCA to give back to the community where she began her athletic journey.
“The Gatorade Player of the Year award highlights student‑athletes who set an example both on and off the field,” said Josh Lytel, Associate Marketing Manager for Gatorade Player of the Year. “The grants give these athletes a chance to donate to organizations like, DWR YMCA, that positively impacts the youth in their own communities.”
Bart Goodwin, YMCA CEO, added: “We are so appreciative that Lillie‑Faye chose The Y for this grant and she sees the importance in youth sports. We look forward to seeing her accomplish her dreams and keep working hard.”
Nationwide, youth sports participation has declined over the past decade—often due to tighter local budgets—but research shows that involvement in athletic programs supports youth wellbeing, health, and academics.
Beyond the standard grant, McWhorter may also qualify for one of twelve $10,000 Spotlight Grants through video submission. Since the program began, over $5.6 million has been awarded to more than 2,000 organizations through Gatorade’s Player of the Year giving initiative.
At Arkansas, McWhorter joins a proud legacy: this marks the fourth consecutive year an incoming Razorback has earned this state distinction Saline River News+6Arkansas Razorbacks+6Saline River News+6.
Congratulations, Lillie‑Faye McWhorter—proud Woodlawn alum, Razorback recruit, and local sports champion—whose generosity will help grow the next generation of athletes in Warren and Bradley County.
