FORT MILL, SC—Fort Mill High School’s distance running dynasty solidified its status at the top of South Carolina high school athletics as Head Cross Country Coach Lee Whitaker was named the South Carolina Track and Cross Country Coaches Association (SCTCCCA) 5A Division 2 Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year.
The prestigious honor follows a monumental season where Coach Whitaker guided the Fort Mill girls’ team to their third consecutive state championship, capping a historic “three-peat” performance.
The Yellow Jackets dominated the SC High School 5A Division 2 State Championship, securing the team title with a commanding score of 38 points. The victory was a testament to the team’s depth and strategic pack running, with Fort Mill’s top five runners finishing within the top 16 overall.
Key to the team’s success were top finishers like senior Marlee Cook, who led the charge with a 2nd place overall finish, freshman Lauren Allen in 4th place, and senior Alivia Cleveland, who rounded out the scoring in 6th place.
Coach Whitaker’s accolades for the 2025 season were not limited to the girls’ program, as he also led the Fort Mill Boys Cross Country Coach team to their second consecutive state title, completing a historic championship sweep for the program. His recognition by the SCACA (South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association) and the state’s cross country coaches association underscores the exceptional level of excellence and consistency he has built at Fort Mill High School.
The dual state championships and subsequent coaching honors firmly establish Coach Whitaker as one of the state’s elite leaders, fostering a program that continually produces championship-caliber performances.
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