Westbrook High junior Nyagoa Bayak was named Maine’s Gatorade girls’ track and field athlete of the year on Thursday.

Bayak was the high jump champion at the Class A outdoor state meet and the New England Championships and finished second at the New Balance Nationals in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Westbrook's Nyagoa Bayak won the girls' high jump at the Class A track and field state championships in Bath on June 2 with a leap of 5 feet, 11 inches. Staff photo by John Ewing

At the state meet, Bayak cleared 5 feet, 11 inches to establish an all-time Maine best. She also placed second in the triple jump (37-4). Bayak cleared 5-11 again at the New England championships to win her third New England title, including two indoor crowns.

At the national championships on Sunday, Bayak cleared 5-10 1/2 on her second attempt to take second place.

The Gatorade award also recognizes academic achievement and character. Bayak, the first girls’ track and field athlete from Westbrook chosen for the Gatorade award, has a 3.25 GPA.

“Nyagoa is a hard-working, ambitious, super-competitive athlete,” said Westbrook Coach Angela Lally. “She is a captain for her team and takes this seriously. Teammates look up to her because of her accomplishments and they look to her for help and encouragement.”

• Cayden Spencer-Thompson of Mattanawcook Academy was named Maine’s Gatorade boys’ track and field athlete of the year. Spencer-Thompson, a junior, set all-time Maine bests of 24-1 3/4 in the long jump and 48-3 3/4 in the triple jump while winning both events at the New England championships. He also was the Class C state champion in both events, and maintains a 3.30 GPA.