California's next wave of talent is already making national noise early this track season. From record-chasing freshmen to dominant sophomores, these athletes are setting the tone for the future.
Ariana Hurtado - Highland HS (Class of 2029)
After a strong cross country season, freshman Ariana Hurtado is emerging as a top distance runner in Arizona. Her breakout moment came in the Elite 800m at the Chandler Rotary Invitational, where she finished 5th in 2:16.09. Then, at the end of March, she ran 5:09.62 in the 1600m to showcase her strength and rank among AZ's top 10 in both events.
Brandon Delancey - Highland HS (Class of 2028)
The Chandler Rotary Invitational brought out the best in Brandon Delency, where he set personal records in the 1600m (4:15.05) and 800m (1:55.03). The sophomore is currently ranked in Arizona's top 20 in both events and seems on track to accomplish even more this season.
Jaylen Richardson - Chandler HS (Class of 2029)
Jaelyn Richardson has proven to be an exceptional jumper for Chandler High School in his freshman season, with multiple jumps over 19 feet in the triple jump and over 40 feet in the long jump. At the Chandler Rotary Invitational, he elevated his performance with a 45-4 leap to finish sixth overall and earn the U.S. No. 6 farthest jump in the nation for sophomores.
Notable Mentions: Some mentioned in "Who to Watch in Arizona After March and Chandler Rotary"
Aulani Gleason, (Mesquite High School, 9th) | 100m - 12.00 (PR), 200m - 24.23 (PR), 400m - 54.70 (PR)
Kadyn Hysong, (Shadow Mountain High School, 10th) | Pole Vault - 17-1 | Chandler Rotary Invitational (3/21)
Ava Davis, (Millennium High School, 10th) | 100m - 11.80 (PR), 200m - 24.02 (PR), 400m - 57.74 (PR)
Terik Slaughter, (Pinnacle High School, 10th) | High Jump - 6-6 | The Moretti Midweek (Pinnacle Senior Night) (3/31)
Roman Oliver, (Hamilton High School, 9th) | 200m - 21.81 | Chandler Rotary Invitational (3/21)
Ari'eon Stevenson, (Hamilton High School, 9th) | 110mH - 14.72 | Brophy Fr. Olivier Invitational (3/28)
Ella Bonnette, (Highland High, 10th) | 1600m - 5:04.58 | Chandler Rotary Invitational (3/21)