Here are The Arizona Republic’s picks for the top 10 high school girls track and field athletes from the twelfth week of the 2026 season (May 11-16). Vote in our poll for the player you think had the best week. The poll closes on Saturday, May 23, at 6 p.m. Print readers can find the poll online at azcentral.com/sports/high-schools.
Both wind-legal and non-wind-legal marks were considered.
Top Arizona girls track and field athletes
1. Imani Galera-Young, Chandler, hurdles, Sr.
The Arkansas commit set the Arizona state record in the 300-meter hurdles at the AIA State Track and Field Championships on May 16, running 40.65 seconds to become the second girl in state history to go under 41 seconds and move up to No. 3 in the United States this season.
2. Nicole Ripperdan, Queen Creek, mid-distance, Sr.
One week after becoming one of the fastest 400-meter runners in state history, the Utah State commit did the same in the 800. Ripperdan ran 2:06.05 to win the 800 at the AIA State Track and Field Championships on May 16, moving up to No. 2 all-time in state history. She was only .05 seconds off from setting the state record (2:06.01).
3. Aliyah Morrow, Chandler Hamilton, sprints, Jr.
She ripped off another all-time effort in the 400, running 53.52 to win at the AIA State Track and Field Championships on May 16 and move up to No. 2 all-time in state history for the 400. It’s Morrow’s second straight week running under 54 seconds.
4. Aulani Gleason, Gilbert Mesquite, sprints, Fr.
She was just behind Morrow in the 400 at the AIA State Track and Field Championships on May 16, running 53.56. Morrow becomes the first freshman ever from Arizona to break 54 seconds in the 400.
5. Kyana Williams, Chandler Hamilton, jumps, Sr.
She won the high jump at the AIA State Track and Field Championships on May 16, clearing 5-9.
6. Addysan Prassas, Phoenix North Canyon, sprints, Sr.
The Arizona commit won the 100 meters at the AIA State Track and Field Championships on May 16, running 11.83. Prassas’ time of 11.78 in the prelims set the state lead in the event. She also ran on the winning 4×100 and the second-place 4×400-meter relay teams, contributing 28 points to help lead North Canyon to the team championship.
7. Taylor Drewry, Chandler Basha, distance, Sr.
The Arizona State commit and three-time cross-country state champion closed out her career winning the 3,200 in 10:44.60 at the AIA State Track and Field Championships on May 15.
8. Ava Davis, Goodyear Millennium, sprints, So.
She won the 200 at the AIA State Track and Field Championships on May 16, running 24.06. The super sophomore was also second in the 100, running 11.90.
9. Audra Huempfner, Gilbert Highland, distance, Sr.
The Arizona commit won the 1,600 at the AIA State Track and Field Championships on May 16, running 4:57.89.
10. Makayla Armstrong, Maricopa, jumps, Sr.
She won the long jump at the AIA State Track and Field Championships on May 15, hitting 18-7.50.
11. Brailyn Clouse, ALA Queen Creek, throws, Sr.
She won the shot put at the AIA State Track and Field Championships on May 15, throwing 43-5.75.
12. Brooke Zuluaga, Chandler Seton Catholic Prep, throws, Sr.
The Miami (Ohio) softball commit won the javelin at the AIA State Track and Field Championships on May 16, throwing 148-10.
13. Monica Verrett, Tucson Amphitheater, jumps, Sr.
She won the triple jump at the AIA State Track and Field Championships on May 16, hitting 38-3.75.
14. McKenna Brown, Chandler Arizona College Prep, jumps, Sr.
She won the pole vault at the AIA State Track and Field Championships on May 16, clearing 12-1.
15. Milanni Pedraza, Tucson Catalina Foothills, distance, Jr.
She was second in the 1,600 at the AIA State Track and Field Championships on May 16, running 4:57.92.
Vote: Who’s No. 1?
Logan Stanley is a sports reporter with The Arizona Republic who primarily focuses on high school, college and Olympic sports. To suggest ideas for human-interest stories and other news, reach out to Stanley at logan.stanley@usatodayco.com or 707-293-7650. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @LSscribe.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: The Republic’s top girls track and field athletes, May 11-16