CA Future Stars to Watch at the CIF State XC Championships

GIRLS 

Evelyn Ursini & Isabella Amy (Mira Costa 2028) - D1

These two sophomores have been the backbone of Mira Costa's success all season as the consistent No. 2, 3, or 4 runners. Watch Evelyn Ursini and Isabella Amy attempt to make the Mira Costa even closer than 26 seconds at the CIF-State meet to help them reach NXN. 

Sophie Nuckols (Ventura 2028) - D2

Sophie Nuckols has emerged as a shining star for Ventura, who will look to continue a legacy that Aelo Curtis is trying to build on, one started by Sadie Engelhardt. Last week at the CIF-SS Championships, she ran 16:48 to finish 5th to help qualify her team for the CIF State meet.

Addyson Johns (Santiago 2029) - D1

Just like Sterling White on the boys' side, we will be hearing about Addyson Johns for the next four years. As a freshman, she ran 16:39 to finish 3rd in the Division 1 race, helping Santiago qualify for the State meet. Expect her in the top 15 at the State meet, affecting the team standings for Santiago.    

Julie Plummer (Pleasant Valley 2029) - D3


- Julie Plumer winning the D3 Girls Race a the Clovis XC Invite / Photo by DeAnna Turner -

The CIF Northern Section has something special with Julie Plummer, and that was evident when the freshman won the CIF-NS championships by 21 seconds. This adds to a series of excellent performances this year, including a 17:51 win on the Woodward Park course at the Clovis XC Invitational. Her presence will contribute to the unpredictability already in the Division 3 race on Saturday.

Layla Merancio & Brooklyn Buckley (Buchanan 2028) - D1

Buchanan, the No. 7-ranked team in the COROS MileSplit 50, is led by sophomores Layla Merancio and Brooklyn Buckley. Expect this dynamic duo to stay close together in the Division 1 race, helping Buchanan secure their first team title since 2022.