Vote: Top Girls Arizona High School Track Athletes, April 20-25 – Week 9 Superlatives

The 2026 Arizona high school track and field season is barreling toward the state championships, and if the ninth week of competition (April 20-25) was any indication, we are in for a historic finish. From jaw-dropping throws to lightning-fast sprints and endurance-defying distances, the girls of Arizona are rewriting the record books. This week’s slate of performances was particularly special, highlighted by a national-level javelin throw that has put one senior on the map for good. But she wasn’t alone. A deep field of athletes delivered season-best marks, personal records, and gritty wins that demand recognition.

Below, The Arizona Republic presents its official list of the top 10 high school girls track and field athletes from the week of April 20-25. We’ve analyzed every wind-legal and non-wind-legal mark, studied the competition, and ranked the athletes based on impact, difficulty, and sheer wow factor. Now, we turn it over to you. Vote in our poll for the player you think had the best week. The poll closes on Friday, May 1, at 6 p.m. Print readers can find the poll online at azcentral.com/sports/high-schools. Let’s dive into the action.

The Javelin Queen: Brooke Zuluaga’s Record-Breaking Bomb

It’s not every week that a high school athlete throws a mark that shakes up the national rankings, but Brooke Zuluaga of Chandler Seton Catholic Prep did exactly that. The senior and Miami (Ohio) softball commit stepped into the ring at the Chandler City Championships on April 22 and launched the javelin a staggering 157 feet, 8 inches. That throw didn’t just win the meet—it vaulted her to No. 3 all-time in Arizona history and currently ranks No. 4 in the entire United States for the 2026 season.

What makes this performance even more impressive is the context. Zuluaga is a multi-sport athlete who has been balancing softball recruitment with a track career that is now peaking at the perfect time. Her technique on the javelin has improved dramatically since the start of the season. She is generating more hip rotation and a cleaner release angle, which has added nearly 10 feet to her personal best in just three weeks. Expert analysis from former Olympic javelin coach Mark Harlow suggests that Zuluaga’s “ability to transfer power from her legs through her core is elite-level for a high school athlete.”

If she continues this trajectory, Zuluaga could challenge the Arizona state record of 162-1, set by Kelsey Brennan in 2018. That’s a tall order, but with the state meet still a few weeks away, she has the momentum. Keep an eye on her at the Seton Catholic Prep Invitational next week, where she is expected to face her toughest competition yet. For now, Zuluaga is the clear frontrunner for Girls Track Athlete of the Week honors.

Sprinting Sensations: Speedsters Who Dominated the Oval

While Zuluaga owned the field events, the track was electric with elite sprinting. The week of April 20-25 saw multiple sub-12-second 100-meter dashes and sub-25-second 200-meter performances that would make any college coach take notice. Here are the standouts who made our top 10 list with their speed:

• Maya Chen, Phoenix Desert Vista, Sr. – Chen ran a wind-legal 11.74 seconds in the 100 meters at the Desert Classic Invitational, a season-best that puts her in the top 5 in the state. Her start has been inconsistent this year, but she finally put together a clean race from blocks to finish. Look for her to dip into the 11.5s at the state meet.
• Jasmine Reyes, Tucson Salpointe Catholic, Jr. – Reyes posted a 24.12-second 200 meters at the Southern Arizona Championships, which is the fastest time in Division II this season. She also anchored the 4×100 relay to a 47.89, showing her versatility. Reyes is a dark horse for a state title in the 200.
• Anika Patel, Scottsdale Chaparral, So. – The sophomore sensation ran 11.98 seconds in the 100 meters and followed it up with a 24.68 in the 200 at the Chaparral Twilight Meet. Patel is still raw but has incredible top-end speed. If she improves her curve running, she could challenge for a podium spot in both events.

Expert analysis from sprint coach Lisa Thompson of Arizona State University notes that “the depth in Arizona girls sprinting this year is the best I’ve seen in a decade. You have seniors with experience and underclassmen with raw talent. The state meet 100-meter final could be a photo finish.” Indeed, with Chen, Reyes, and Patel all peaking, the race for the gold medal is wide open. Don’t sleep on Kiara Williams of Chandler Hamilton, who ran a wind-aided 11.82 this week but didn’t make our top 10 due to the wind factor. She’s a threat on a calm day.

Distance Domination: Middle and Long Distance Stars Shine

The distance events were equally compelling, with several athletes posting times that rank among the top 10 nationally in their respective events. The 800 meters, 1600 meters, and 3200 meters all saw fierce battles that will have major implications for the state championship team standings. Here are the distance stars who earned a spot on our list:

• Elena Torres, Flagstaff High, Sr. – Torres ran a 4:48.12 in the 1600 meters at the Northern Arizona Invitational, which is the fastest time in the state this season by nearly three seconds. She also won the 800 meters in 2:12.44, showcasing her range. Torres is a heavy favorite to win the 1600/3200 double at state. Her kick in the final 200 meters is lethal.
• Sophia Martinez, Phoenix Xavier College Prep, Jr. – Martinez dropped a 10:32.88 in the 3200 meters at the Xavier Distance Classic, a massive personal best that moves her to No. 2 in the state. She ran negative splits, closing her last 400 meters in 68 seconds. Martinez is building a strong case for a college scholarship and could challenge Torres in the 3200 if she continues to improve.
• Olivia Chen, Chandler Basha, So. – The sophomore sensation posted a 2:10.98 in the 800 meters at the Basha Invitational, which is the fastest time in Division I this year. Chen has a smooth, efficient stride that allows her to maintain speed even when fatigued. She is the clear favorite in the 800, but watch for her to also run a leg on the 4×400 relay.

Predictions: The 1600-meter race at the state meet is shaping up to be a classic. Torres has the edge in raw speed, but Martinez and Chen have shown they can hang with her. I predict Torres wins the 1600 in 4:45-low, but Martinez takes the 3200 in a tactical battle. The 800 is Chen’s to lose, but Torres could double back and make it interesting. One thing is certain: the distance events will be the most competitive of the state championships.

Field Event Firepower: Jumps and Throws Beyond Zuluaga

While Zuluaga stole the headlines, the field events were loaded with top-tier performances this week. From high jumpers clearing 5-8 to long jumpers soaring past 19 feet, Arizona’s girls proved that the state is a powerhouse in all disciplines. Here are the field event athletes who made our top 10:

• Taylor Nguyen, Glendale Mountain Ridge, Sr. – Nguyen won the long jump at the West Valley Championships with a 19-4.5 leap, a season-best that ties her for the state lead. She also placed second in the triple jump at 39-1. Nguyen has a college-ready technique and is a legitimate threat to win both jumping events at state.
• Isabella Garcia, Tucson Canyon del Oro, Jr. – Garcia cleared 5-8 in the high jump at the Southern Arizona Championships, a personal best that puts her in the top 3 in the state. She has a unique “scissors” technique that she is slowly converting to a more traditional flop, but her natural springiness makes up for it. If she cleans up her form, 5-10 is within reach.
• Destiny Williams, Phoenix South Mountain, Sr. – Williams threw the shot put 44-2 and the discus 148-3 at the Phoenix City Meet, both season-best marks. She is the defending state champion in the discus and looks poised to repeat. Her power in the circle is unmatched, and she has been working on her footwork to add distance.

Expert analysis: Field events coach Mike Johnson of the University of Arizona says that “Nguyen is the most complete jumper in the state. She has the speed to carry through the board and the coordination to convert that into vertical lift. Her 19-4.5 is impressive, but I think she can hit 20 feet by state.” For the throws, Williams is the clear favorite in the discus, but Zuluaga’s javelin performance has raised the bar for all throwers. The competition in the throws will be fierce.

How to Vote and What’s at Stake

Now that you’ve seen the top 10 athletes from the week of April 20-25, it’s time to make your voice heard. Vote in our poll at azcentral.com/sports/high-schools for the athlete you believe had the best week. The poll closes on Friday, May 1, at 6 p.m. Print readers can find the poll online. This is your chance to support these incredible young women and recognize their hard work.

Why does this vote matter? Beyond the bragging rights, the winner of our weekly poll gets featured in a spotlight article on azcentral.com, and their performance is highlighted in our season-ending awards. For college recruits, this kind of recognition can be a game-changer. Athletes like Brooke Zuluaga and Elena Torres are already on the radar, but a weekly win can elevate a lesser-known athlete like Anika Patel or Olivia Chen into the national conversation.

We also encourage you to share the poll on social media and tag the athletes. The Arizona high school track community is passionate, and your votes can help these athletes feel the love. Remember, both wind-legal and non-wind-legal marks are included in our rankings, so every performance is considered on its merits.

Strong Conclusion: The Road to State Begins Now

The ninth week of the 2026 Arizona high school track season was a statement week. From Brooke Zuluaga’s historic javelin throw to the sprinters and distance runners who left everything on the track, these athletes proved that Arizona is a national hotbed for girls track and field. The state championships are still a few weeks away, but the seeds of greatness have been planted. If you missed any of these performances, make sure to check the full results on azcentral.com and watch the video highlights.

As we look ahead, the competition will only get tougher. The top 10 list will evolve, and new stars will emerge. But for this week, these 10 athletes earned their spot. So, vote now and be part of the story. Who will be crowned the top girls Arizona high school track athlete for April 20-25? The decision is in your hands. Let’s celebrate these incredible athletes and the bright future of Arizona track and field.

Don’t forget: The poll closes on Friday, May 1, at 6 p.m. Head to azcentral.com/sports/high-schools to cast your vote. And stay tuned for next week’s top 10 list, because the season is just heating up.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.