The 2026 California Track and Field season is here, and the state's top field event athletes are poised to deliver one of the most competitive years in recent memory.
Reigning State Champs Top Returners
Athletes who are reigning CIF State Champions or have a top returning mark
Jaslene Massey (Aliso Niguel) // SR- D: 165-6, SP: 50-7, LJ: 17-5
DOMINANT. RECORD-BREAKER. DETERMINED.
The top returning shot put and discus thrower has unfinished business after finishing runner-up in the CIF State shot put final. As the reigning CIF State discus champion, expect even more great things from Massey in 2026.
Kira Gant Hatcher (St. Mary's College) // SR: TJ: 40-10.5 & LJ: 19-5.5
CLUTCH. REIGNING-CHAMP. WINNER.
Last year, Kira Gant Hatcher stayed on the podium in about every competition and closed the season with three performances over 40 feet in the triple jump to secure a CIF State title. She shows up in the big moments and will look to do it one more time.
Ab Hernandez (Jurupa Valley) // SR- TJ: 42-2.75, LJ: 20-8.75, HJ: 5-7
CONSISTENT. UTILITY-PLAYER. OVER-4O-AND-20.
Lelani Laruelle (Monte Vista) // SR- HJ: 5-8 & LJ: 18-8.5
PERFECT-TIMING. REDEMPTIVE. ELITE.
Last year, Lelani Laruelle secured the CIF State high jump title after finishing fourth the previous year to cap a fantastic season. Laruelle constantly shows up in big moments like winning the Arcadia Invite title and the CCS Championship.
Julia Teven (Brea Olinda) // SR- HJ: 5-8
UNFINISHED. TOP RETURNER. SURGING
After finishing third in the CIF State high jump final as the top returner, Julia Teven opened her 2026 season with a personal record of 5-9.
Caitlin Khieu (Del Norte) // SR- PV: 12-9
TOP-RETURNER. REDEMPTION. PODIUM.
Although Caitlin Khieu NH in the CIF State pole vault final, expect her to be in the conversation to win this year after finishing on the podium in most of her competitions last season.
Championship Experience
Athletes who gained valuable state final and national-level experience last season
Ellie McCuskey-Hay (St. Ignatius College Prep) // SR: LJ- 19-7
NEVER-MISSES. EXPLOSIVE. VERSATILE.
Sophia Forst (Pleasant Grove) // SR- PV: 12-6
BRONZE. SHINING-STAR. SURGING.
Malia Jones (Oceanside) // SR- TJ: 39-10.75 & LJ: 18-6
DOUBLE-THREAT. SD-CHAMP. STATE-EXPERIENCE
Arelle Middleton (Chino) // SR- SP: 43-9.5
EXPERINCED. BREAKOUT. SLEEPER.
Young Vets
Freshmen who may be entering their super sophomore season
Sidney Johnson (Rio Americano) // SR- SP: 43-8 & D: 136-1
CONSTANT. COMPETITOR. THE-NOW
Taya Maumausolo Matagi (Nipomo) // SR- SP: 40-8 & 133-4
CS-CHAMP. WATCH-OUT. SURGING
Liliana Medrano (Clovis East) // SR- TJ: 39-3.25 & LJ: 18-4.5
DOUBLE-THREAT. BREAKS-BARRIERS. CLUTCH
Celia Filice (Arroyo Grande) // SR- HJ: 5-7
ASCENDING. ELITE-COMPANY. UNFINISHED.
All-Around All-Stars
Expect these athletes to continue showing off their amazing talents across multiple events
Corinne Jones (St. Mary's College) // SR- TJ: 39-10.75, LJ: 18-6.5 HJ: 5-2
ARRIVED. TRIPLE-THREAT. ELITE.
Devyn Chambers (Oakmont) // SR- SP: 40-8 & D: 133-4
EXPLOSIVE. FOCUSED. COMPETITOR.