With only a month into the 2026 track and field season, the future stars across California are starting to take over the state in various events. Freshmen and Sophomores are emerging as CIF State title contenders and new household names for CA over the next 3-4 years.
Below, we list the future stars who are currently ranked in the top 5 for their respective event.
Grace Smith - 800m (Class of 2028)
The state's top returning 800m runner, Grace Smith, has lived up to her reputation after running a state-leading 2:08.08 in the 800m to win the Hi-Racer Meet of Champions. She also ran 2:08 at Nike Indoor Nationals the week before, demonstrating she has even more to give this season.
At the Hi-Racer Meet of Champions, Mario Montoya joined an elite group of California sophomore boys who have broken 9 minutes in the 3200m when he claimed victory last weekend. Montoya is the 14th Californian sophomore to break the 9-minute mark and is now the second fastest athlete in California. Similar to his stellar cross country season, Montoya will look to be in the conversation to win a CIF State title.
Ava Parker - 400m (Class of 2029)
The superstar freshman, Ava Parker from Helix (SD), seized the opportunity at the Redondo Nike Invitational, where she ran 55.38 to finish second overall. This is an impressive performance, given she opened the season at 57 seconds and appears to be getting better each time she runs the 400m so far.
A new California hurdle superstar may have arrived in Kaahliyah Lacy this season opening up with some of the fastest times in the state for the 100m and 300m hurdles. The sophomore is the 100m hurdles state-leader at 14.17 and the ranked second in the 300m hurdles at 42.96.
Although Clovis North graduated one of the state's greatest throwers in history last season, they may have found someone to rival McKay Madsen in Cooper Haydock. In his sophomore season, he's thrown 59-10.50 in the shot put and 176-10 discus ranking him top 10 in California for both events.
At the Dublin Distance Fiesta, Kaylee Smith ran 2:10.95 to win the 800m beat her personal best by almost three seconds. This was Smith's sixth 800m victory of the year, extending her undefeated streak.
Mia Monroe - 100m (Class of 2028)
Last weekend, Mia Monroe opened her sophomore season in the 100m and 200m with times rankings in the California top 10. At the
St. Mary's College HS (NC), she ran an impressive 11.75 and 24.32.
Among the superstar sophomores from Servite and Rosary, Maliyah Collins and Kamil Pelovello are ranked in the California top 10 in their respective events. Collins has demonstrated consistent great performances in the 100m and 200m this year with seasons best of 11.77 and 24.13. While Pelovello has developed into an excellent 200m sprinter this season with a 21.19 seasons-best and a 21.03 wind-aided time.
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With only a month into the 2026 track and field season, the future stars across California are starting to take over the state in various events. Freshmen and Sophomores are emerging as CIF State title contenders and new household names for CA over the next 3-4 years.
Below, we list the future stars who are currently ranked in the top 5 for their respective event.
Grace Smith - 800m (Class of 2028)
The state's top returning 800m runner, Grace Smith, has lived up to her reputation after running a state-leading 2:08.08 in the 800m to win the Hi-Racer Meet of Champions. She also ran 2:08 at Nike Indoor Nationals the week before, demonstrating she has even more to give this season.