During the eleventh week of the 2026 season, Arizona's high school girls' track and field scene was dominated by exceptional performances, with several athletes achieving state-leading marks and securing key victories at the AIA Divisional State Championships held in Mesa.
Highlighting the exceptional talent, Nicole Ripperdan from Queen Creek showcased her dominance in sprints and mid-distance events, securing state titles in both the 400m and 800m races and achieving the second-highest all-time mark in Arizona for the 400m. Chandler Hamilton's Aliyah Morrow also delivered a stellar performance, earning a second-place finish in the 400m and contributing to her team's relay victories, ultimately leading Hamilton to the team championship. The field events also saw remarkable feats, with Kyra Hogarth from Chandler excelling in pole vault, clearing an impressive 12 feet, 9 inches, and Amerah Richardson of Chandler Arizona College Prep taking home the long jump state title with a mark that places her seventh all-time in the state. Furthermore, Avery Cowden from Scottsdale Horizon demonstrated her prowess in the triple jump, setting an all-conditions state lead.
Additional standout athletes who left their mark include Imani Galera-Young of Chandler, who triumphed in both the 100m and 300m hurdles, setting a state lead in the latter. Jaiden Ware, also from Chandler, was a force in the long jump and relays, securing a state title and placing ninth all-time in the long jump. Gabbie Banning from Scottsdale Chaparral and Faith Gentry from Phoenix South Mountain also delivered strong performances in long jump/hurdles and javelin, respectively, further solidifying their places among Arizona's top track and field talents. The championships underscored the depth of talent across various divisions, with athletes like Taleya Freeman of Chandler Hamilton, Ryane Ast of Waddell Canyon View, Tally Call of ALA Queen Creek, Jayci Ballard of Snowflake, Abby Roth of Phoenix Country Day School, and Karsten Lewis of Oro Valley Canyon Del Oro all achieving podium finishes and contributing significantly to their teams' successes.
These athletes embody the spirit of dedication and excellence, pushing their limits and inspiring future generations in high school athletics. Their achievements serve as a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the pursuit of greatness in sports.
