2018 AIA D2 Track and Field State Championships: 4th Place
Girls' Head Coach: Ryan Freeman
The Campo Verde Ladies have come a long way over the past decade. Last year they placed 4th in the Division 2 Girl's State Championship with a score of 52 points. This year, it looks like they have the arsenal to place among top-3 D2 Girl's Teams in Arizona. For starters, Lia Hendricks (So.) and Kiana Kai (Jr.) both have a shot a finishing on the podium for both of the Hurdles. For the distance events, Kaitlyn Bowe (So.) has yet run a qualifying standard on the track. However, she made huge breakthroughs last fall when she finished 14th in the D2 Girls' race at the Cross-Country State Championships and even broke 20-minutes for 5km at NXR-Southwest. Finally, Lauren Rosen (Sr.) is tied for 4th among Division 2 Girl Pole Vaulters.
Coach Freeman Says…
There is a lot of excitement and optimism surrounding the program this year. After finishing 4th as a team at last year's State Championships we are really pushing for a top 3 finish. If we stay healthy and have some luck, we may be able to challenge for the win which is really exciting for our group.
Who are your top returners?
Kiana Kai (Hurdles and Relays), Lia Hendricks (Hurdles and Relays), Gracie Norberg (Throws), Ebani Acedo (Sprints and Relays), Eliza Littlewood (Horizontal Jumps), Lauren Rosen (Pole Vault), Kaitlyn Bowe (Distance)
Lia Hendricks and Kiana Kai (middle) finished 1st and 2nd in the 100m Hurdles. - photo by John Hays
Do you have any impact freshman or incoming transfers?
Sara Eltiste (Sprints and Middle Distance), Vina Moreno (Sprints)
What meets are you keying in on this year?
Nike Chandler Rotary Invitational and the Sun Angel Classic
How has your preseason training been going?
It has been going really well, the ladies have been putting in time and effort. We have over 70 girls this year in the program.
What's the most important thing you want young people to learn through running/track and field?
For us it is to help them develop themselves in the areas we identify as the core values of the program - Effort, Discipline, Gratitude and being Excuse Free. We feel that if young men and women can develop these values it will help them on the track and in their lives once they are finished competing in high school athletics.
Have you set any goals as a team?
To value the we more than the me and compete for a State Championship.
