Senior Sarah Fakler of Phoenix Xavier Prep has been named the Gatorade Arizona Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year for the third straight season.

The award recognizes academic as well as athletic excellence.

Fakler, who has committed to an athletic scholarship at the University of Virginia, has maintained a 4.0 grade-point average.

She has volunteered on behalf of local environmental sustainability initiatives and has taken part in a project to design, build and supply solar ovens to a disadvantaged community in Ghana.

“Sarah’s work ethic is off the charts, in everyting she does,’’ said Xavier coach Dave Van Sickle. “In four years, I can’t remember her missing a practice. She doesn’t get sick, she doesn’t get hurt, and she does everything in a really disciplined manner.’’

Previous Gatorade winners include Xavier’s Jessica Tonn and Glendale Mountain Ridge’s Nadya Bishton.