The amazing girls class of 2021 includes (l-r) Paige Sommers, Faith Bender, Mia Barnett, and Aysha Shaheed. (Photos by Jeffrey Parenti, Ryan Blystone, Josh Barber and Raymond Tran)
Congratulations to all 2021 girls for their selection onto the MileSplitCA All-State Girls SeniorTrack and Field Team!
Athletes were selected based on their placement among U.S. rankings within the class and overall, as well as impactful results at section finals and major invitationals. Versatility and depth of resume during the 2021 outdoor season was strongly considered.
This class of girls achieved CA-leading marks in 10 of 14 standard CIF individual events, occupied six of 22 event categories among seniors on the U.S. rankings, and hold three U.S. overall leading spots.
This class produced a national record, six U.S. No. 1s in the senior class, 15 U.S. top-10 spots in the class, and 42 top-25 spots among seniors on the U.S. leaderboard.
On the all-time CA list, these girls took over one No. 1 spot, five top-five spots, and 10 top-25 spots.
Rankings and athlete PRs are based on marks in the MileSplit database. References to U.S. rankings mean within the girls class of 2021 unless overall is noted.
Athletes are encouraged to claim their profile and provide feedback for any missing or incorrect data. Here's how to claim athlete profiles on MileSplit.
* * *
SENIOR GIRLS ALL-STATE TEAM
(Athletes are listed alphabetically)
FIRST TEAM
Asjah Atkinson (St. Anthony/SS) - Hurdles/Jumps
Ran 100mH PR of 14.32 (1.2) to win CIF-Southern Section Division 4 title. That time ranks U.S. No. 24 (for wind-legal marks). She hit her long jump PR of 19-5 (1.9) at CIF-SS D-4 Prelims, a mark that ranks tied for U.S. No. 8 (wl). Also won titles at CIF-SS D-4 Finals in the 300mH (45.33) and LJ (19-02/1.2). College: Cal.
Brandy Atuatasi (West Hills/SD) - Throws
Her discus throw PR of 162-3 for second at Arcadia ranks U.S. No. 14 overall. Won the discus at the CIF-San Diego Section D-2 Finals (148-08) and CIF-SDS Open Championships (147-00). College: Stanford.
Mia Barnett (Crescenta Valley/SS) - Distance
The most impressive distance season on record includes a 2:07.31 clocking for 800m to win at MOC Distance Classic, a 4:37.58 time for 1600m at the Pacific League Finals, and 9:52.23 for 3200m. All three times rank as CA No. 1, U.S. No. 1 in the class and U.S. No. 1 overall for both the 1600 and 3200. Her 800m time ranks U.S. No. 7 overall. She won all three at the Pacific League Finals (2:17.77/4:37.58/10:53.56). She ran all three at CIF-SS D-1 Prelims (2:11.99/4:53.04/10:38.97) and anchored the 4x400m relay team. She dropped all by the 1600m, where she closed out her CIF career with a 4:42.89. Selected as Gatorade CA Girls T&F "Player" of the Year. College: Virginia
Faith Bender (Liberty/CS) - Throws
Returned from a back injury to win the discus throw at the CIF-Central Section South Area Regional (163-9), CIF-CS Masters (169-2), and CA State Champs (172-8). Had season-best throw of 173-9 at CA State Champs Prelims. That mark ranks U.S. No. 1 overall. In limited shot put attempts, Bender still hit a CA-best 46-06.50 to win at CIF-CS South Area Regional. That mark ranks U.S. No. 23 in the class. College: Arizona State.
Ashley Callahan (Rancho Bernardo/SD) - Pole Vault
The 2019 CIF-State Meet champion got over 14 feet at a league dual in early May and went six inches higher with a 14-6 clearance to win the CIF-SDS D-1 title. Her mark ranks U.S. No. 2 in the class and No. 3 overall. College: San Diego State.
Lauren Fowler (Buchanan/CS) - Sprints/Jumps
CIF-CS Masters champion for 100m (11.63/1.7) and 200m (24.02/2.1). Her 100m time ranks tied for U.S. No. 18 and her 200m time ranks U.S. No. 24 (ac). She ran her wind-legal 200m best of 24.37 (-0.1) for second at CA State Champs. Long jump PR of 19-4 (0.2) from the Clovis East Carnival ranks U.S. No. 29 (ac) and tied for U.S. No. 11 (wl). Won long jump at CA State Champs (19-02/1.3) also placed third in the 100m. College: New Mexico.
Hannah Fredericks (Saugus/SS) - Distance
Won the 3200m title at the CIF-SS D-1 Finals (10:40.96). Posted 1600m PR of 4:50.38 for third at CIF-SS D-1 Finals. That time ranks U.S. No. 22. Ran 3200m PR of 10:21.54 for fourth at Arcadia, a time that ranks U.S. No. 13. Ran 800m PR of 2:14.00 to win Foothill League title. Also won league title for 1600m (4:51.32) and 3200m (10:57.38). Her 4:53.65 mile PR for sixth at Sound Running ranks CA No. 6. College: The Master's.
Maia Garcia (Pinewood/CC) - High Jump
Her 5-8 clearance at a dual in mid-May leads the state and ranks tied for U.S. No. 12. Won CA State Champs title at 5-5. Twice cleared 5-6 including at NorCal Champs and at WBAL Champs. Had top clearance at nine meets. College: Cal Poly-SLO.
Idara Ibekwe (J.W. North/SS) - Sprints
CIF-SS D-2 runner-up for both 100m 11.78 (3.5) and 200m (24.17/1.3) behind junior teammate Raykiyat Olukoju. Both times rank among top 42 nationally for all conditions. Her 200m time ranks tied for U.S. No. 19(wl). No. 3 100m/200m combo sprinter in the class. College: UC San Diego.
Sydney Johnson (Whitney/SJ) - Hurdles/Jumps
No. 4 combo horizontal jumper in the class. Long jump best of 19-10 (nwi) from an early-May dual ranks U.S. No. 13. Wind-legal best of 18-11.50 (0.0) ranks U.S. No. 20. At CA State Champs, placed third in both the long jump (18-11.50/0.0) and triple jump (37-08.75/0.7), and fourth in the 100m hurdles (14.61/0.2). College: UCLA
Luci Lambert (Sacred Heart Prep/CC) - Distances
No. 2 400m/800m combo runner in the class and No. 4 on the list of 800m/1600m combo runners. Swept the 800m and 1600m at the CIF-Central Coast Section Finals, in PR times of 2:11.35 and 4:54.36, respectively. Also won both titles at the WBAL Championships in 2:12.83 and 4:59.14, respectively. Ran 3200m PR of 10:46.86 to win at Granada Distance & Sprint. Ran 4:59.90 mile PR for third at in the open division at Arcadia. College: Virginia.
Ellaney Matarese (La Canada/SS) - 800m
No. 1 400m/800m combo runner in the class. Ran her 800m PR of 2:09.79 for fourth at CA State Champs. Ran sub-2:13 five times, including 2:11.65 for second at Arcadia and 2:12.43 for third at MOC Distance Classic. College: Harvard.
Jade McDonald (Long Beach Poly/SS) - Hurdles/Jumps
She won the 100m hurdles title at the CIF-SS D-1 Finals in 13.89 (2.7), a mark that ranks tied for U.S. No. 14. Ran 300m hurdles best of 43.57 at CIF-SS D-1 Prelims. Triple jump best of 40-2.50 (1.0) to win the CIF-SS D-1 title ranks U.S. No. 24 (ac) overall and No. 8 (wl). College: Iowa.
Elise Miller (San Pasqual/SD) - Hurdles/Jumps
Won four titles at the CIF-SDS D-1 Finals: 100mH, HJ, LJ and TJ, including PRs in the 100mH (14.15/1.9), and long jump (19-4.25/1.0). Hurdles PR ranks U.S. No. 13 (wl). Long jump mark ranks U.S. No. 10 (wl). Triple jump best of 42-3.50 (0.0) ranks U.S. No. 3 overall (ac) and No. 1 (wl). Won the LJ (18-07.25) and TJ (38-02/0.6) and placed second in the HJ (5-4) at CIF-SDS Open. College: Stanford.
Aspin Oliver (Vacaville/SJ) - Hurdles
Won the 300m hurdles at the CA State Champs in 42.83, a time that ranks U.S. No. 12. Ran 300mH PR of 44.15 to win at Golden West. At NorCal Champs, won the 100m (12.50/0.5), 300mH (44.05), and ran a leg on the winning 4x100 relay team (47.55). College: Cal Poly-SLO
Sara Pettinger (Mission Viejo/SS) - Throws
She won both throws at CIF-SS D-2 Finals, going 42-06 in the shot put and hitting a discus throw PR of 159-00. That mark ranks U.S. No. 24 overall. Established her shot put PR of 44-03 at a league dual. College: Cal.
Kennedi Porter (Etiwanda/SS) - Sprints
Swept the sprints at the CIF-SS D-1 Finals, winning the 100m in 11.82 (3.7) and the 200m in 24.39 (1.4). That 100m time was her all-conditions PR. She swept the sprints at the Baseline League Finals, winning the 100m in a wind-legal PR of 11.89 (2.0) and the 200m in 24.62 (3.3), defending her title from 2019.
Bella Rigby (Liberty/CS) - Throws
Her discus throw PR of 163-9 to win at Arcadia ranks U.S. No. 12 overall. Runner-up in both throws at CIF-CS Masters, with silver-medal marks of 161-04 and 40-07, respectively. College: Cal Poly-SLO
Aysha Shaheed (Madison/SD) - Sprints
Wrapped up her senior year with sprint sweeps at CIF-SDS D-3 Finals, CIF-SDS Open, and CA State Champs. Her 11.61 (1.5) to win the 100m at the SDS Open ranks U.S. No. 16 (ac), U.S. No. 7 (wl). Her 200m time of 24.07 (-0.1) to win the CA State Champs, ranks tied for U.S. No. 27 (ac) and tied for No. 14 (wl). College: Cal.
Paige Sommers (Westlake/SS) - Pole Vault
Set the U.S. national record of 14-8.50 at the Vaulter Magazine Frosh-Soph Champions in early April and extended that to 14-9 at the Marmonte League Finals in late May. Sommers had six meets with clearances of 14 feet or higher, the last of which was a 14-0 clearance to win the CIF-SS D-1 title. The Duke signee competed at the U.S. Olympic Trials and then returned two days later to win the CA State Champs title with a clearance of 13-8. She also won at Arcadia with a clearance of 13-9. College: Duke.
Summer Stevenson (Great Oak/SS) - Jumps
Tied for No. 2 on the list of combination horizontal jumpers in the class. All-conditions season-best of 40-07 (nwi) to win the Southwestern League Finals, ranks tied for U.S. No. 14 overall (ac). Achieved wind-legal best of 39-03.50 (0.2) for second at Arcadia.
Audrey Suarez (Mayfield/SS) - Distances
Wrapped up her senior year with a 1600m victory at CA State Champs (4:47.07). Ran 4:45.69 season-best to win CIF-SS D-4 title. Ran her 800m best of 2:10.85 for fifth at CA State Champs. Also won the 800m at CIF-SS D-4 (2:12.31). Her 1600m time ranks U.S. No. 20 overall. College: Stanford.
SECOND TEAM
Audrey Allen (Miramonte/NC) - Distances - Ran 3200m PR time of 10:26.06, which ranks U.S. No. 17. Ranks as No. 4 1600m/3200m combo runner in the class. College: UCLA.
Makayla Browne (J.W. North/SS) - Distances - Ran 800m PR of 2:11.96 for third at Arcadia. Ranks as No. 4 400m/800m combo runner in the class.
Helen Chu (Buchanan/CS) - Triple Jump - PR of 38-6 (0.7) for fifth at Arcadia, won triple jump title at CIF-Central Section Masters (37-10.25/1.3). Also at CIF-CS Masters, placed third in the long jump (18-04.50) and was a finalist in the 100mH, running her PR (15.39). College: Columbia.
Brooklyn Courtnall (Oaks Christian/SS) - Sprints - Ran 400m PR of 55.16 to win the Marmonte League title. Won the CIF-SS D-4 title in the 400m (55.66) and placed second to her teammate Jahzara Richardson in the 200m (24.67/0.9). College: USC
Alexa Dandridge (Buchanan/CS) - Hurdles - CIF-CS Masters champion for 300m hurdles, running a PR time of 43.44 in the championship, a time that ranks U.S. No. 25. Also, ran 100mH PR of 14.82 (2.6) for second at CS Masters. College: Fresno State.
Noelle Elkinton (Del Norte/SD) - Throws - Swept the throws at the CIF-SDS D-1 Finals, 142-07 and 42-04, respectively, after going 42-06.75 in prelims. Won shot put at CIF-SDS Open (43-04) and placed second in the discus throw (137-09). College: Cornell.
Maya Grudman (Sage Creek/SD) - Pole Vault - PR of 13-03 ranks tied for U.S. No. 11 in the class, tied for U.S. No. 24 overall and slots in a tied for No. 23 on the all-time CA list. Won CIF-SDS D-3 title (11-06). College: Dartmouth.
Amira Hawkins (North Torrance/SS) - Hurdles - Ran wind-legal 100mH best of 14.42 (0.2) for second at CA State Champs. Won the 100mH title at CIF-SS D-3 Finals (14.41/2.2).
Kennedy Jennings (Edison/CS) - 800m - Won the CIF-CS Masters title in 2:13.27 and ran PR of 2:11.77 to win at CIF-CS North Area Regional. No. 3 400m/800m combo runner in the class. College: San Diego State.
Cienna Norman-Thomas (Upland/SS) - Hurdles - Ran 100mH PR of 14.32 (2.7) for third at CIF-SS D-1 Finals. Ran 300mH PR of 43.77 for second at CIF-SS D-1.
Gabrielle Pack (Peninsula/SS) - Pole Vault - PR clearance of 13-06 to win the CIF-SS D-2 title ranks tied for U.S. No. 6 in the class, and tied for U.S. No. 14 overall. It slots in a tie for No. 13 on the all-time CA list. College: Cornell.
Kaley Peterson (St. Francis/CC) - Sprints - Swept the 100m (12.23/-0.6) and 200m (24.82/-1.6) titles at the CIF-Central Coast Section Finals.
Emily Richards (Aliso Niguel/SS) - Distances - Her 3200m PR of 10:28.37 for seventh at Arcadia ranks U.S. No. 19. Ran 1600m PR of 4:53.70 for fifth at CA State Champs. College: UC San Diego.
Jahzara Richardson (Oaks Christian/SS) - Sprints - Ran 100m PR of 11.88 (1.5) for fourth at Arcadia. Won both sprints at CIF-SS D-4 Finals, going 12.00 (1.0) in the 100m and 24.62 (0.9) for 200m. College: Cal.
Summer Sergeant (Vista/SD) - Sprints - Won the CIF-SDS D-1 title in the 100m (12.28/1.1) and placed second in the 200m with a PR of 24.48 (2.0). Placed third in both sprints at the CIF-SDS Open (12.05/1.5 and 24.61/1.7).
Emily Waller (Woodbridge/SS) - Hurdles - Won the CIF-SS D-1 title in the 300m hurdles, running a PR time of 43.50 in the championship. That time ranks U.S. No. 26.
Cherish Washington (Lakewood/SS) - Throws - Hit discus throw PR of 151-11 at CIF-SS D-1 Prelims. Won CIF-SS D-1 title in the shot put (43-01). Ranks as the No. 5 combo thrower in the class.
Katriina Wright (University City/SD) - 400m - The 2019 CIF-State Meet champion in the quarter was the 2021 CA leader with a time of 54.24 achieved in winning at Arcadia. That time ranks U.S. No. 12. It was one of only three meets for her this spring. College: Oregon.
HONORABLE MENTION
Ajah Anderson (Upland/SS) - Hurdles - Ran 100mH PR of 14.42 (1.5) for fourth at Arcadia. Ran all-conditions PR of 14.40 (2.7) for fourth at CIF-SS D-1 Finals. Ran 300mH PR of 44.29 to win Baseline League title.
Karina Anderson (Thacher/SS) - Distances - Won the 3200m at the CIF-SS D-4 Finals (10:52.03) and placed second in the 1600m (5:02.41 PR). Ran 3200m PR of 10:38.98 for third at CA State Champs.
Eryn Burke (Yucaipa/SS) - Sprints - Swept 200m/400m titles at Citrus Belt League Finals in 25.12 and 57.18, respectively. Placed third in the 200m at CIF-SS D-1 Finals PRs of 24.41 (1.8)/56.48 slot her as No. 5 200m/400m sprinter in the class. College: Vanguard.
Sierra Burror (Bishop Union/CS) - Distances - Ran 3200m PR of 10:40.85 for fourth at CA State Champs. Won 3200m title at CIF-Central Section Masters (10:47.68). College: Cornell.
Isabelle Cairns (St. Francis/CC) - 400m/800m - Ran season-best 57.62 to win 400m title at CIF-CCS Finals and season-best 2:13.21 for 800m at CIF-CCS Semifinals. Had three meets of sub-2:13.85. College: USC.
Jazzmine Davis (El Camino/LA) - Hurdles/Jumps - Won the CIF-LA City Section titles in the 300m hurdles (45.59) and triple jump 36-02.75 (nwi).
Brianna Gibson (High Tech NC/SD) - Jumps - Hit all-conditions triple jump PR of 37-03 (2.3) to win at CIF-SDS D-3. No. 5 combo jumper in the class (57-6).
Emma Harper (Oakdale/SJ) - Throws - Discus throw PR of 150-9 placed second at the West Coast Relays and ranks U.S. No. 40 overall.
Julianna Holm (Maranatha Christian/SD) - High Jump - Best of 5-7 to win at the Coastal Conference Finals ranks tied for CA No. 2 overall and U.S. No. 36. College: Vanguard.
Harper McClain (St. Helena/NC) - Distances - Her 3200m PR of 10:28.83 for eighth at Arcadia ranks CA No. 21. College: Oregon.
Jocelyn Niemiec (Beckman/SS) - 400m - Her PR of 54.85 achieved in winning her section at Arcadia ranks U.S. No. 22. Ran 55.19 for fourth at CIF-SS D-1 Finals. College: Penn
Sylvana Northrop (Monta Vista/CC) - Distances - Won the 3200m in 10:46.72 at CIF-CCS Finals and placed second in a PR 10:37.62 at CA State Champs. Ran 4:58.62 PR for 1600m at a CCS qualifier. College: UC San Diego.
Kendall Saeger (Santa Margarita/SS) - Distances - Ran 3200m PR of 10:40.46 to win CIF-SS D-3 title. Won 3200m (11:05.90) for third Trinity League title after winning 800m/1600m as a sophomore in 2019. College: SMU
Anna Weirich (Harker/CC) - Distances - Ran 1600m season-best of 4:51.71 for fourth at CA State Champs. Ranks as the No. 6 800m/1600m combo runner in the class. College: UCLA.
