Arizona Freshmen Track Stars Shine Bright

The 2026 high school track and field season in Arizona has concluded, marking a period of exceptional performances and emerging talent. At the AIA State Championships, athletes demonstrated a continuously rising skill level, setting the stage for future successes. The 2029 class, in particular, shows significant promise for breaking state records in the coming years.

The Arizona Republic has identified the top 10 freshmen girls for the 2026 season, with Aulani Gleason of Gilbert Mesquite leading the pack. Gleason achieved a historic season in sprints, winning Division II titles in the 100, 200, and 400 meters. She became the first freshman in state history to run the 400 meters in under 54 seconds, with a time of 53.56 seconds, ranking her fifth nationally for her class.

Other notable freshmen include Ariana Hurtado of Gilbert Highland in distance running, who placed eighth in the state for the 800 meters, and Cassidy Long of Mesa Mountain View, who recorded impressive times in the 1,600 and 3,200 meters at the Division I and AIA Championships, respectively. Madisyn Fosu from Phoenix Thunderbird excelled in jumps, clearing 5 feet, 4 inches, and ranking runner-up in Division III. Ashlee Stapleton and Suzanne Schmit of Cottonwood Mingus Union and Glendale Mountain Ridge, respectively, made marks in throws, with Stapleton achieving a throw of 119-8 in discus. Aubrey Goodwan and Demi Valenzuela of Maricopa Desert Sunrise and Gilbert Highland, respectively, showed strength in jumps and pole vault, with Goodwan being the only freshman to exceed 18 feet in the long jump. Ela Witcher of Gilbert Highland also achieved a personal best in javelin.