Big 50: The Republic's top high school girls track and field athletes for 2024

Last year was one of the greatest single track and field seasons in state history at the high school level. Five Arizona athletes broke six state records — including four in one night on a magical evening in Southern California at the 2023 Arcadia Invitational.

Ahead of this 2024 spring season, The Republic has ranked the top high school track and field athletes. We chose 50 athletes on the girls' side and 50 on the boys' side. These lists were made by observations from The Republic staff and input from coaches throughout the state.

The Arizona Interscholastic Association is in its second season of an Open Division for track and field at the state championships, adopting a model that is similar to one that was first used for football. The whole state comes together for one championship meet.  Division championships are the first week of May, with qualifying athletes moving on to the state championships in the second week of May at Mesa Community College.

Ahead of the season, The Republic presents its list of the top 50 girls high school athletes in Arizona across the distance, sprints, hurdles, jumps and throws events entering the 2024 track and field season. We start with the Top 10, then we will be updating this list of 10 athletes at a time every day ahead of the first meet of the season, so check back for updates on azcentral.com.

1. Landen LeBlond, distance, Sr., Goodyear Millennium: The Oregon signee, with a personal best of 4:42.84, has a real chance to break Desert Vista's Dani Jones’ 2015 state record in the 1,600 meters after her breakout season last spring. Alhambra's Kathy Gibbons' mile record from 1972 is also in danger.

2. Kori Martin, hurdles, Sr., Chandler Hamilton: Despite the 100-meter hurdle record only being broken just last year (13.33) by Gilbert Williams Field standout Saira Prince, Martin has a legitimate shot at breaking it again this season. Martin, who just committed to Kentucky, battled Prince all season long and comes into 2024 with a personal best of 13.61.

3. Mayen Usoro, sprints, So., Laveen Cesar Chavez: After breaking the freshman state record in the 100 meters at 11.54, Usoro has the opportunity to enter the national conversation as one of the best young sprinters in the country. She has a chance to break the overall state record in the event this season.

4. Gabriella Garcia, throws, Sr., Chandler Basha: One of the best javelin throwers in the nation, Garcia is the No. 2 returning athlete in the United States for the event with her mark of 163-7 from last season. She has a lifetime best of 165-6; she’ll try to break Chandler’s Hannah Carson’s 2011 record of 171-9.

5. Brooklyn Montgomery, throws, Sr., Gilbert Campo Verde: Montgomery is easily the best discus thrower in the state at the moment with her mark of 154-6, which puts her at No. 5 on the all-time list in state history. She will try to see how high she can climb up that list in her final season.

6. Lea Spindell, sprints, Sr., Gilbert Campo Verde: Spindell committed to North Carolina and is the state’s fastest 400-meter runner at 54.94, the only athlete under 55 seconds. She ran a wind-aided 24.22 in the 200 meters and a wind-legal 24.70, both top five in Arizona.

7. Stacey Onyepunuka, sprints, Sr., Avondale Agua Fria: The little sister of the state record-holder in the 100 meters, Jessica Onyepunuka, who blazed a path at Peoria. She enters the season No. 2 in the state for both the 100 and 200 meters as she looks to take on Cesar Chavez sophomore Mayen Usoro.

8. Sydnee Finch, throws, Jr., Eagar Round Valley: The state’s clear top shot-putter at 46-9.5, Finch didn’t lose a single meet in 2023. She is not far off from cracking the all-time top-five in state history with Chandler’s Cindy Johnson at 47-5.

9. M’tima Hamilton, jumps, Sr., Mesa Red Mountain: Hamilton enters the 2024 season with the top mark in the state for the triple jump with a wind-aided 40-1.5, which helped earn her the Division I state championship. Hamilton, an ASU commit, has been rapidly improving since the 2022 season.

10. Kimi Cahoon, distance, Sr., Phoenix Country Day School: Cahoon is one of the most decorated distance runners in state history with eight Division V titles on the track during her career. Cahoon, who is committed to Air Force, comes into the season No. 3 in the state for the 1,600 meters (5:04.92) and No. 2 in the 3,200 meters (10:55.66).

11. Zalaya Dupre, jumps, Jr., Glendale Copper Canyon: The state’s best returning long jumper from last season at 18-6.75, although it’ll be a close battle with Chandler Hamilton sophomore Jaiden Ware and Phoenix Sandra Day O'Connor senior Jezelle Santiago. Aiming to win her first state title this season.

12. Aniyah Martin, hurdles, So., Phoenix Sunnyslope: One of the few underclassmen this high on the list, but for good reason as Martin is one of the rising stars of the sport. Broke Betty H. Farifax's Ma’Kayla Dickerson’s freshman state record in the 300-meter hurdles with her time of 42.86, will look to be the top challenger to Chandler Hamilton senior Kori Martin.

13. Jezelle Santiago, jumps, Sr., Phoenix Sandra Day O’Connor: Comes into the season with top returning mark in the high jump at 5-6, tied with Show Low senior Aubrie Wilson. Placed 4th at last year’s AIA Open state championships; also has run 12.65 in the 100 meters.

14. S’niyah Cade, sprints, Jr., Chandler: Burst onto the scene her first season with a freshman state record in the 100 meters. The daughter of Keri Suell, one of the best sprinters in state history with an 11.60 personal best in the 100 meters who also attended Chandler. Only competed in two 100-meter races last season, but enters 2024 at No. 4 in the 200 meters (24.25). Also one of the state’s best long jumpers at 19-4.5.

15. Madisyn Williams, jumps, Sr., Chandler Hamilton: The defending AIA Open state champion in the pole vault at 12-0. Her personal best of 12-1 makes her the No. 2 returning athlete behind Chandler Basha senior Jocelyn Phillips.

16. Taylor Drewry, distance, So., Chandler Basha: One of the best young runners on the distance scene, coming off a Division I individual state title in cross country this past fall. Ranked No. 4 in the 1,600 meters (5:04.95) and No. 3 in the 3,200 meters (10:55.81).

17. ​​Annaleise Taylor, hurdles, Sr., Waddell Canyon View: While Hamilton’s Kori Martin and Sunnyslope’s Aniyah Martin are expected to be the top two hurdlers, Taylor is someone to watch for as well. She's No. 3 in the 300-meter hurdles.

18. Jaiden Ware, sprints/jumps, So., Chandler Hamilton: Comes into the 2024 season ranked No. 5 in the state for the 100 meters at 11.99 and No. 2 in the long jump at 18-6.5. Also No. 8 in the 200 meters (25.18).

19. Anaya Quarles, sprints, Sr., Chandler: One of the state’s top returning athletes in the 400 meters with her time of 57.30. Finished fourth at last year’s AIA Open state championships.

20. Camryn Delancey, distance, So., Gilbert Highland: Another young athlete on the rise for the distance events, finished fourth at the AIA Division I cross country state championships to help lead the Hawks to a Division I team title. No. 4 in the 800 meters at 2:15.78 and No. 6 in the 1,600 meters at 5:05.24.

21. Oliviah Hussey, sprints/jumps, Sr., Phoenix North Canyon: The younger sister of Gloriah Hussey, a former state champion now competing as a heptathlete at Utah. Comes into the season ranked No. 7 in the state for the 200 meters at 25.15 and No. 17 in the long jump at 17-5.

22. Brooklyn Hanania, distance, Sr., Phoenix Desert Vista: The Arizona signee is coming off a strong cross country season, where she finished in fifth at the AIA Division I state championships. Enters the season ranked No. 4 in the 3,200 meters and No. 8 in the 1,600 meters.

23. Imani Galera-Young, sprints/hurdles, So., Chandler: Versatile athlete over multiple events. Enters the 2024 season ranked in the top 10 for the 100 meters (12.04), 200 meters (25.09) and the 100-meter hurdles (15.02).

24. Madison Martinez, sprints/jumps, Sr., Tucson Salpointe Catholic: Someone to watch for on the track and in the field – ranked No. 11 in the 200 meters and No. 2 in the triple jump. One of two athletes in the state who has eclipsed 38 feet in the triple jump.

25. Jocelyn Phillips, jumps, Sr., Chandler Basha: Comes into the 2024 season with the top mark in the pole vault at 12-7, six inches clear of the No. 2 athlete, Chandler Hamilton’s Madisyn Williams.

26. Taliyah Henderson, sprints, Jr., Tucson Salpointe Catholic: She may be one of the state’s best basketball players, but she’s also one of the best runners too. Henderson won the 800-meter state title as a freshman but has since transitioned to focus on the 400 meters, where she enters 2024 ranked No. 4 at 57.41.

27. Saniah Christian, sprints, Sr., Phoenix Mountain Pointe: One of the few returning sprinters in the state who has run under 12 seconds in the 100 meters (11.96).

28. Roselyn Vazquez, throws, So., Mesa Red Mountain: The little sister of one of the best hurdlers in state history, Yan Vazquez, a 2022 graduate who is now competing at Arizona after transferring from UCLA. Has morphed into a great athlete herself, comes into the season ranked No. 2 in the state for the javelin (139-9) behind Chandler Basha’s Gabriella Garcia. Expanding it nationwide, Vazquez is the No. 2 sophomore athlete in the United States for the event.

29. Rickaiya Whitman, sprints, Jr., Phoenix Desert Vista: One of the top returning 200-meter runners this season at No. 5 with her time of 24.76. Finished fourth at both the AIA Division I and Open state championships in the 200 meters.

30. Katherine McNulty, distance, So., Tucson Catalina Foothills: The best distance runner in southern Arizona. Built off her excellent freshman season, which included an AIA Division II state title in the 1,600 meters, by finishing fourth at the cross country state meet this past fall. Ranked in the top 7 for both the 1,600 meters and 3,200 meters.

31. Rebekah Jhade-Garrett, hurdles/sprints, So., Phoenix North Canyon: Only a sophomore, but already one of the state’s top hurdlers. Ranked No. 3 in the 100-meter hurdles at 14.38. Transferred over from Waddell Canyon View.

32. Aubrie Wilson, jumps, Sr., Show Low: Comes into the year tied with Sandra Day O’Connor’s Jezelle Santiago as the top returning high jumper at 5-6. Won the AIA Division V championship before placing 10th at the Open state championships.

33. Kayla Lark, mid-distance, Jr., Chandler Basha: Steadily progressed over the season to finish the year as one of the state’s best 800-meter runners. Ranked No. 2 at 2:15.13.

34. Nicole Ripperdan, mid-distance, So., Queen Creek: The younger sister of senior Zachary Ripperdan, a Utah State commit with a 1:53.77 personal best. Quickly making a name for herself, No. 3 in Arizona with her time of 2:15.35. Could be a dark horse to win the state title as a sophomore.

35. Faith Gentry, throws, So., Phoenix South Mountain: Was one of the nation’s best freshman javelin throwers at 134-1. Comes into the season ranked No. 3 overall in Arizona.

36. Annie Killian, distance, Sr., Tempe McClintock: Another name to watch for in the 800 meters, which is shaping up to be pretty deep this year. Won the AIA Division II title before coming in eighth at last year’s Open state championships.

37. Nicole Crisman, jumps, Jr., Phoenix Pinnacle: One of four returning athletes who has jumped farther than 37 feet in the triple jump. Ranked No. 3 in the state at 37-2.5. Transferred from Phoenix Thunderbird.

38. Sara Jones, distance, Sr., Gilbert Perry: A top-level mile runner who is committed to Boise State. Comes into the season No. 5 in the 1,600 meters at 5:05.21; also ranked No. 7 in the 3,200 meters.

39. Sophronia Okpara, jumps, Jr., Tucson Mica Mountain: Definitively one of the best jumpers in all of southern Arizona, and the whole state. Came in second at the triple jump at the AIA Division II state championships with a wind-aided mark of 37-2.

40. Bryonna Stroughter, sprints, So., Phoenix North Canyon: Another athlete starting to develop under one of the state’s best coaches, Airabin Justin. Enters the season ranked No. 10 in the 100 meters (12.18) and No. 13 in the 200 meters (25.48 wind-aided).

41. Erika Grossman, throws, Sr., Goodyear Millennium: Only two athletes in the state have thrown farther than 41 feet in the shot put – Grossman is one of them. Ranked No. 2 in Arizona at 41-2.5.

42. Juliana Garcia, throws, Jr., Chandler Basha: Older sister, Gabriella, is one of the nation’s best javelin throwers. Little sister is becoming one of the state’s top athletes in the discus; ranked No. 2 in Arizona at 130-3.

43. Alexandra Johnson, sprints, Sr., Tucson Magnet: A top returning athlete in the 400 meters with her time of 58.07. Finished fourth at last year’s AIA Division I state championships.

44. Kya Kisler, sprints/jumps, Jr., Chandler: Saved her best performance for the last race of the season when she came in fifth in the 100 meters at the AIA Division I state championships, running 12.03. That time puts her at No. 7 in the state for the event.

45. Evangeline Dunckely, distance, Jr., Scottsdale Saguaro: Coming off a cross country season where she finished fourth at the AIA Division III state championships. No. 6 in the state for the 3,200 meters (11:07.72).

46. Ryley Nelson, distance, Sr., Gilbert Christian: One of those athletes who is making the pool of 800-meter runners so deep this season. Nelson, who will be running at Division II-Cedarville University next year, is ranked No. 7 in the 800 meters at 2:17.40.

47. Liz Ugwu, throws, Jr., Tucson Sahuaro: Arguably the best discus thrower in southern Arizona, although Oro Valley Canyon del Oro senior Katrina Trahan could make a case too. No. 3 overall in the state at 129-2.

48. Kyana Williams, jumps/hurdles, So., ALA Queen Creek: Burst onto the scene last year in the high jump as a freshman, coming in eighth at last year’s AIA Open state championships. Ranked No. 3 in the state at 5-4.

49. Marley Stoller, sprints, Jr., Phoenix Xavier College Preparatory: One of the best 400-meter runners in the city of Phoenix, and the whole state. Comes into the season No. 6 at 58.31.

50. Coco Velasquez, throws, Jr., Mesa Red Mountain: Could score points in two throwing events at the AIA Open state championships as she ranked in the top 10 for both the javelin (133-3.25) and shot put (36-9.5).

*All times and marks are sourced from az.milesplit.com

To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Stanley at lstanley@gannett.com or 707-293-7650.  Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @LSscribe.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: The Republic's best HS girls track and field athletes in 2024