Uly Junker Named VT Gatorade Player of the Year in Track and Field
July 01, 2025
Uly Junker-Boyce’s winning track and field season just keeps going. Last month, Uly was named Vermont’s “Gatorade Player of the Year” in Track and Field, the “top honor in high school sports, celebrating the nation’s best high school athletes for their success on the field, in the classroom and in the community.” Over the course of high school career, Uly has shone both as a scholar and an athlete, and, shared Coach Emily Silver “remains humble, kind, genuine, and funny.”
In a press release, Gatorade highlighted Uly’s incredible season: “Set a state record in the long jump at the Division 3 state meet with a leap of 23 feet, 10.5 inches. Junker led the Panthers to their sixth straight team title, winning the 100-meter dash in 11.07 seconds and helping the 4×100 relay quartet win that race. Junker also became the first Vermont prep runner to break 11 seconds in the 100 when he clocked a 10.74 record at the Essex Invitational. He won the long jump and 200-meter dash at the New England Outdoor Championships as well, setting his third state record of the spring in the 200 in 21.52.”
Uly is deeply committed to his sport, and is a leader and mentor in the track and field community. White River Valley head coach Dave Mattern told Gatorade, “Uly is an exceptional athlete and great person. He has always been willing to help other athletes work on improving and stays humble throughout all of his success. He raised the standard for his teammates and competitors, alike.” Other coaches agree, with one sharing that one of their ninth-graders couldn’t believe that Uly had an extended conversation with them about how to improve their long jump landing.
Off the track, Uly’s leadership in the phone-free schools movement, including sharing testimony before Vermont’s House Education Committee, helped move both Thetford Academy and the state to implement “phone-free 8-3” policies. He co-founded 802 Elite, a statewide track club that gives Vermont athletes a platform to compete at the national level. In the classroom, Uly has maintained a high grade point average and will continue his studies – and sport – at Williams College this fall. Congratulations, Uly!