The Observer’s 2023 high school girls track preview
Here’s what to expect in high school girls track this spring:
Teams to watch
Albemarle: The Bulldogs’ entire outlook changed dramatically when former Harding standout Akala Garrett decided to transfer to Albemarle. Garrett, a University of Texas commit, and one of the best hurdlers and sprinters in the nation, and she makes Albemarle an immediate favorite to contend for the N.C. 1A state championship. Garrett, already a 10-time state champion in 4A, will be a contender in any event she runs, which could include the 100- and 300-meter hurdles, 100- and 200-meter dash and more. Garrett’s biggest competition could come from sophomore teammate Amari Baldwin, who finished sixth in both the 100- and 200-meter dashes at 1A state championships, while earning state-runner-up in the long jump.
Cuthbertson: The Cavaliers have established themselves as the standard for track in North Carolina, whether indoor, outdoor or cross country. This spring, the Cuthbertson girls’ will be running to win their third straight state championship and are loaded with experience and talent. Senior Alyssa Preisano, a Wake Forest commit, should contend in the 800 and 1600-meter runs, while classmate Maya Studney, a Coastal Carolina commit, should be a factor in the long and triple jumps. The Cavaliers are deep in talent with juniors Charlotte Bell (800, 1,600), Stella Kermes (1600, 3200) and Justine Preisano (800, 1600) also capable of winning state titles. The Cavaliers depth will also allow multiple relays to compete for state bragging rights.
Mallard Creek: The reigning 4A state runner-up boasts one of the nation’s best sprinters in senior Kaylyn Brown, a major Division I recruit with offers from Arkansas, Clemson, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia Tech. He was 4A state runner-up outdoors in both the 200- and 400-meter dashes, while finishing third in the 100-meter dash at the same meet. Mallard Creek also has one of the top throwers in the state in junior Macy Dulaney, who is coming of a 4A state runner-up finish at 4A state indoor track championships. Dulaney was also 4A state runner-up outdoors in the discus and finished fifth in the shot put (outdoor states) last year.
Athletes to Watch
Keely Bradle, Providence: The Panthers’ senior, a Charlotte 49ers’ commit, has had success anywhere from the 800 to the 3200, and looks to put herself in position to run for conference, regional and state titles this spring.
Molly Canon, Charlotte Catholic: The Cougars’ junior looks to keep herself in the state contention in the middle distance events after a third place in the 500 at the 4A indoor state championships.
Mary Bonner Dalton, Myers Park: The Mustangs’ junior has become one state’s top distance runners and comes into the outdoor season with a lot of momentum after winning the 4A state indoor title in the 3,200 and finishing as 2022 4A state cross country runner-up last fall. Dalton now looks to prove she can be a state contender in both the 1,600 and 3,200 outdoors.
Nina Dominique, Charlotte Christian: The Hickory Ridge transfer is coming off an indoor state championship meet to remember as she won the 300-meter state title, while finishing as runner-up in the 55- and 500-meter dashes. The spring, she gives the Knights a state contender in the 100 and 200 as well as the spring relays with freshman Kate Willette also being a factor in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs.
Tyler Glover, Ardrey Kell: The defending 4A state shot put champion looks to repeat, while also contending in the discus.
Alexandria Jefferson, Rocky River: The Ravens’ sophomore finished third at the 4A state outdoor track meet in the discus last spring. This winter, Jefferson finished third at the 4A indoor state championships in the discus. Jefferson hopes to contend for state titles in both events, where she hold school records, during outdoor season.
Jaida McGrew, Mountain Island Charter: The Raptors’ sophomore expects to runs for championships this spring after winning the 1A/2A state indoor title in the 55-meter dash and 4 X 200-meter relay.
Annie Miller, Metrolina Christian: The Warriors’ sophomore is already an eight-time all-state performer and has had a banner year with state runner-up finishes in cross country, the 800-meter run and a state indoor title in the 1000-meter run earlier this month.
Nia Poole, Providence Day: Chargers’ junior is coming off a strong indoor state championship performance, where she won the NCISAA title in the triple jump, was state runner-up in the long jump and finished fourth in the high jump. Poole will be a key piece to a Providence Day girls’ track team going for its 10th straight NCISAA Division I state championship.
Teri Pridgen, Cannon School: The defending NCISAA Division I 400-meter dash state champion also won the 200-meter dash, state title in 2021 as a freshman, and has two more indoor state crowns. After missing this past indoor season with injury, a Pridgen, a Division I recruit as a sophomore, is eager to get back into state championship form outdoors.
Reagan Rainey, Hough: The Huskies’ sophomore is amongst the states’ best in the 800-meter run (12th place at 4A states last year) and 1,600-meter run (seventh-place at 4A states).
Cheyla Scott, Butler: The Bulldogs’ senior, a University of Tennessee commit, is the defending 4A state champion in the high jump, and 4A state runner-up in the long jump.
Aria Wegh, Marvin Ridge: The Mavericks’ junior was the most valuable performer at the 4A state indoor championship, winning a state title in the 55-meter hurdles, with three runner-up finishes in the 55-meter dash, 300 and high jump. This spring, looks to add to her championship resume in the 100- and 300-meter hurdles and high jump.
Notes
State contenders: The Charlotte Country Day girls’ track team hasn’t won a state title since 1994. But this year, coach Matthew Elliott believe the Bucs can contend, led by the sophomore trio of Jada Erwin (sprinter) and Abby Kerrins (middle/long distance) and Lindsey Kerrins (hurdler).
World champion: Albemarle senior Akala Garrett, isn’t just amongst the fastest in the nation, but also the world. she won 400-meter hurdles the U20 World Athletics’ Championships last August (2022) at age 17.
This story was originally published February 25, 2023 at 5:30 AM with the headline "The Observer’s 2023 high school girls track preview."