News Summary

In Provo, Utah, Charlie Vause has been named the 2024-2025 Gatorade National Boys Cross Country Player of the Year. A seventh-grade discovery of running has led him to remarkable achievements, including victory at the Nike Cross Nationals. With plans to run for BYU and serve a two-year mission in Chile, Charlie continues to inspire others while maintaining academic excellence and community engagement.

Exciting News for Runners Everywhere: Charlie Vause Crowned National Boys Cross Country Player of the Year!

In the charming town of Provo, Utah, an inspiring young athlete is making waves in the world of cross country running. Charlie Vause, a determined and talented runner, has just been named the 2024-2025 Gatorade National Boys Cross Country Player of the Year. What a remarkable achievement for someone who only discovered his love for running in the seventh grade!

A Journey Begins

Charlie’s running journey kicked off during his first-ever 5K race back when he was just a seventh grader. With encouragement from his father, Dan Vause, and his older brother, Charlie found himself drawn to the exhilarating world of running. Fast forward six years, and that initial spark has transformed into a blazing passion for the sport.

The award that now sits proudly in Charlie’s hands was previously held by fellow Latter-day Saint, Daniel Simmons, which heightens the honor and distinction of the recognition. In February 2025, surrounded by family, teammates, and even Olympic runner Grant Fisher, Charlie experienced an overwhelming rush of emotions as he received the accolade. It was a moment he will not forget—so much so that he even stumbled backwards while walking up the stairs to accept his award!

Unstoppable Performance

But Charlie’s road to recognition wasn’t just paved with dreams. He demonstrated incredible athleticism by clinching victory at the prestigious Nike Cross Nationals in December 2024. Racing through a muddy golf course in Portland, Oregon, Charlie crossed the finish line with an impressive time of 15 minutes, 28.1 seconds, finishing just two seconds ahead of the nearest competitor, proving himself as one of the best high school athletes in the nation.

A Bright Future Ahead

The future looks exceptionally bright for Charlie as he has already committed to run for Brigham Young University (BYU). Before hitting the college tracks, Charlie has plans to serve a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Chile Puerto Montt Mission. His faith plays a pivotal role in his life and even bleeds into his athletic endeavors. Charlie actively engages with teammates and friends about his beliefs, proudly embodying the values of a Latter-day Saint.

Giving Back to the Community

While running may take up a lot of his time, Charlie also finds joy in giving back to the community. He volunteers at his mother’s elementary school, where he motivates students about perseverance and the importance of pursuing their dreams. His mother, Kim Vause, beams with pride, praising not just Charlie’s achievements, but his humility throughout his incredible journey.

More than Just a Runner

Although he is enjoying significant success, Charlie is not oblivious to the emotional ups and downs of sports. He understands the heartbreak that comes from running, as it often boils down to a win or a loss, with little room for debate. To mentally prepare before a race, he listens to the uplifting song, “I Can Do All Things Through Christ.”

Helping Others and Academics

Charlie’s commitment extends beyond just athletics. He maintains a remarkable GPA of 4.17, proving that he excels academically alongside his running achievements. His community presence is felt through various service activities, including volunteering for his church youth group, engaging in local road races, and providing swim instruction.

As Charlie looks towards the future, he encourages anyone considering a mission to pray about it, assuring them that they won’t regret serving. With his feet firmly planted on the ground but eyes set on the horizon, Charlie Vause is not just a star runner but also a beacon of hope and inspiration for many. The world is watching this talented young man, and there’s no doubt he’s just getting started!

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