- Caden Ehrhorn of Campolindo and Maya Pawlowicz of JSerra Catholic -
With the CIF postseason just around the corner, California's freshmen and sophomores are already leaving their mark on the state's leaderboards. That's why, each week, we highlight the state's Future Stars - not just to celebrate the depth of young talent, but also to recognize the athletes who are already shaping the season with standout performances.
This week, we spotlight a group of Future Stars who have backed up their big goals with fast times, fearless racing, and the kind of consistency that makes them ones to watch heading into CIF.
Underclassmen Boys 3mi Rankings || Underclassmen Girls 3mi Rankings
Underclassmen Boys 5K Rankings || Underclassmen Girls 5K Rankings
GIRLS
Alyssa Gutierrez (St. Francis 2029)
All year, Alyssa Gutierrez has led the state as the top freshman girls leader in the 3-mile and 5K. Her impressive 17:08 to win the Kim Duyst Invitational is her most outstanding performance, which has translated to consistent team success for St. Francis at premier invitationals like the Woodbridge and Clovis XC Invites.
Kaia Streadbeck & Maya Pawlowicz (JSerra 2028 & 2029)
It would be easier to group the entire JSerra underclassmen team, but these two definitely stand above the rest. Kaia Streadbeck led JSerra to a team win at the prestigious Woodbridge Cross Country Classic. In contrast, Maya Pawlowicz led them to victory over the state's best competition at the Clovis XC Invite. It's hard to predict who'll be the number one runner at the State meet, but without a doubt, these underclassmen will be in the mix.
Sabina Cruz (Westlake 2029)
Sabina Cruz has proven her ability to compete with the state's best, winning the Mt. SAC XC Invite and the Woodbridge XC Classic, where she ran a 16:50 three-mile PR. With her twin sister, Anais Cruz, joining her for CIF, expect an even stronger performance.
Isabella Mayer (Mt. Carmel 2028)
As the top San Diego sophomore, Isabella Mayer has broken 17 minutes for three miles and run 17:58 for 5K. With her teammate, Olivia Campos, by her side, expect the Mt. Carmel girls to inflict major damage during CIF.
Addyson Johns (Santiago 2029)
At the Clovis XC Invitational, Addyson Johns arrived for the Santiago Sharks, and she hasn't slowed down. She is the second fastest underclassman in the 5K this year at 17:46 and will be a key part to Santiago's team success in the CIF postseason.
BOYS
Mario Montoya (Redondo Union 2028)
The past couple of weeks and the entire season for Mario Montoya have been magical to say the least. He recently ran a three-mile PR of 14:10 at the Bay League Finals and is heading into the CIF season as one of the best in California. His teammate, Matteo Sanchez, is also a sophomore and will be pushing Montoya to help Redondo Union realize its team goals this November.
Elias Thronson (Davis 2028)
One of the most consistent runners in the entire state comes from Davis, California, and he's a sophomore with 14:54 credentials at Woodward Park. Elias Thronson is a formidable competitor for anyone this November, with his 4th-place finish being his lowest of the year at the Clovis XC Invitational.
Sterling White (Oaks Christian 2029)
As a freshman, Sterling White has run 14:43 at Woodbridge and 15:35 at Clovis, making him competitive in any race he's in. Additionally, with the legacy of Oaks Christian backing him, the coaching staff will ensure he's ready for the CIF postseason.
Caden Ehrhorn (Campolindo 2028)
Caden Ehrhorn is one of the only runners we haven't mentioned in the previous 11 editions of CA Future Stars this season. He's flown under the radar, but his 15:16 at Woodward Park will make him a pivotal in Calmpolindo's race to win the CIF State Championships.