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Four-star Michigan safety signee named D.C.'s Gatorade Player of the Year
Four-star safety Kainoa Winston is one of the 23 players in Michigan's 2025 recruitment class. The Gonzaga High School (Washington, D.C.) standout was named the 2024-25 Gatorade District of Columbia Football Player of the Year over the weekend.
"This award is a blessing," the 5-foot-11, 195-pound safety told Fox 5. "Being recognized as the best student-athlete in D.C. with this prestigious accolade means a lot to me."
Winston is the ninth Gonzaga player to earn this prestigious honor. He recorded 71 tackles, two forced fumbles, two blocked kicks and two interceptions this season, while also rushing for 225 yards and scoring five total touchdowns. His all-around performance helped Gonzaga secure a 7-4 record and reach the semifinals of the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference Capital Division Tournament.
Winston is ranked by ESPN as the No. 51 prospect nationally, the No. 5 safety in the 2025 class and the No. 1 recruit in Washington, D.C. He also secured a spot in the prestigious Navy All-American Bowl in January.
Kainoa Winston reveals Michigan's similarity with his high school
Kainoa Winston officially signed with Michigan on National Signing Day after committing to the Wolverines in June. In an exclusive interview with On3’s EJ Holland, he reflected on the similarities between Michigan and his high school, Gonzaga.
"Long days, early mornings, long nights, or yeah, long days too," Winston said. "Just really what like Michigan and Gonzaga just work, work, work."
Winston pointed out that not every high schooler is willing to put in the same level of effort. However, for him, the grind at both Gonzaga and Michigan is part of what makes them so interesting. Michigan is known for its tough, no-excuses football program, and it perfectly aligns with the relentless work ethic he experienced in high school.
Besides the physical demands of football, Winston also spoke about the importance of academics at Michigan. He spoke highly of the education he received at Gonzaga and how he expects the same level of excellence at Michigan.
"A degree lasts a lifetime. I know, like a lot of different colleges, they have degrees, but a Michigan degree that holds weight, like, across America and even across the world," Winston said. "So just ultimately just make what, like, make my degree worth it at the end of the day to get a good F."
Kainoa Winston also received offers from Penn State, Oregon, Texas, LSU, Ohio State, Miami and Florida throughout his recruitment journey.
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