“I think Sydney’s accomplishments speak for themselves. What she was able to accomplish, setting all-time Iowa marks in the 100, 200, and 400, and approaching it in the 800, she was a joy to watch. She’s a special kid, and if there ever was a person I think who’d be deserving of an award like this, it would be her.”

Jesse Hunt

Head Coach of Waukee High

Athletic Excellence

The 5-foot-5 senior became the first athlete in Iowa State High School Track & Field Championships history to sweep the 100-, 200- and 400-meter dash along with the 800-meter run in leading the Rams to a third-place finish in Class 4A this past season. Milani broke three state records with her gold medal haul, setting a new standard in the 100 (11.49 seconds), the 200 (23.68) and the 400 (52.90). Her 400 clocking ranked No. 7 in the nation among prep competitors this spring at the time of her selection, while her 2:10.38 in the 800 was an all-class best in Iowa in 2018. The shared or outright owner of nine school records, she anchored the 4x400 quartet that won the Drake Relays in a state season-best 3:52.09.

Academic Achievement

Milani has maintained a B average in the classroom. She has signed a national letter of intent to compete on an athletic scholarship at Iowa State University this fall.

Exemplary Character

A four-year letter winner in soccer as well, Milani donates her time to the Mentors in Violence Prevention Club and the Care for Children Club. She also volunteers locally as a youth soccer and track coach.