Marina
Parkville, Missouri is gaining national attention—not just for its teams, but for one standout athlete. Addison Bjorn, a senior at Park Hill South, has been crowned the Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year and is ranked #10 nationally in the ESPN Class of 2026.
As she turns her focus to choosing a college and chasing elite goals, her story is as much about perseverance and vision as it is about raw talent.
In this article, we’ll examine Addison’s journey, highlights, goals, and what lies ahead—with verifiable stats and a clear look at her future.
Rising Profile: From Missouri to National Stage
- High School & Hometown: Riverside, MO / Park Hill South HS
- ESPN Ranking (Class of 2026): #10 nationally
- Awards: Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year
- International Experience: Three straight summers competing for Team USA, including multiple Gold Medals in FIBA competitions
- College Offers: Approximately 50 offers, now narrowed to a Top-7 list
Her father, Darren, observes how her drive has evolved, noting that although Addison was always goal-oriented, she now propels herself with internal motivation.
“From a very young age she obviously had goals. She wrote them down. One of those goals being to win a gold medal,” he says.
For Addison, representing Team USA is not just an honor but part of her identity. She reflects:
“Just sitting on the bleachers and listening to my name being called … the moment never gets old.”
Where She Stands Now & The Recruiting Journey
As a junior (2024–25), Addison earned the state’s top honor in Missouri.
“I really had no expectations … But that was one of my goals … so finally achieving that was really great,” she says.
Heading into her senior year, Addison has whittled her choices down to seven schools she plans to officially visit:
- UConn
- Iowa
- Notre Dame
- UNC
- Duke
- Texas
- Kansas
Her criteria? Relationships. She emphasizes that she wants to know not just the head coach but every assistant, because they will all be vital in her development.
Her family believes she’s perfectly positioned for success. As her father puts it:
“She has goals of competing for a National Championship.”
Despite the whirlwind outside high school walls, Addison approaches her final prep season with optimism:
“We’ve got a younger team so I’m excited to be a great leader … and most importantly just have fun this season.”
Addison Bjorn — Profile & Highlights
| Category | Detail / Statistic |
|---|---|
| Hometown / High School | Riverside, MO / Park Hill South |
| ESPN Class of 2026 Rank | #10 nationally |
| Position / Height | Wing / ~6-1 (6 ft 1 in) |
| Major Awards | Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year |
| International Honors | Multiple Gold Medals with Team USA / FIBA |
| Number of College Offers | ~50 |
| Finalist Schools | UConn, Iowa, Notre Dame, UNC, Duke, Texas, Kansas |
| Focus in Recruiting | Relationships with coach staff |
| Senior Year Role | Leader, mentor to younger teammates |
| Ultimate Goal | Competing for a National Championship |
Why Addison’s Story Matters
- Talent backed by consistency — Her national ranking confirms she’s more than a local phenom.
- Mental strength — Despite pressure, she remains rooted in joy and relationships.
- Purposeful decision-making — Her focus on staff relationships reveals she’s thinking beyond branding or prestige.
- Leadership in transition — She’s ready to lead a younger roster while preparing for the next level.
Addison Bjorn’s journey is far from over—but it’s already formidable. From writing down goals at a young age to earning state and national recognition, she has steadily evolved.
Now, with college decisions looming and a final high school season ahead, her vision is clear: win, lead, and compete at the highest level. Her story reminds us that talent opens doors, but character and intent decide which ones we walk through.