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One of the biggest outdoor track and field events of the year is set to commence.
The New Balance Nationals Outdoor will take place starting Thursday, June 18, through Sunday, June 21. Close to a thousand athletes will descend upon Philadelphia, competing at Franklin Field on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania.
Here are 40 girls track and field standouts to watch, in alphabetical order, heading into the New Balance Nationals.
Event(s): 4x400 relay
Analysis: Adams is only racing the 4x400 in Philadelphia despite having the fifth best 400 time in the country this season. The rising senior is fresh off a pair of state titles with Woodrow Wilson, winning the 400 (52.28) and the 200 (23.40).
Event(s): 100-meter, 4x100 relay, 4x400 relay
Analysis: Arrendell looks to continue what's been an elite legacy of Bullis School runners, developing into an elite sprinter in the 100, 200, and 400 along with relays. Arrendell shattered the national 300-meter indoor record in December 2025 despite being less than four months into high school.
Event(s): Javelin
Analysis: Barr's fresh off a javelin state title in the state of Virginia, logging a mark of 156 feet, 2 inches, beating second place by over 80 feet. She'll be the favorite going into the event but should be pushed by Pennsylvania native Eliana Schneider.
Event(s): 400 hurdles
Analysis: Belfort was strong with St. Thomas Aquinas this past season, going to state in the 100 hurdles, 400 hurdles, and 4x400 with fourth-, second-, and fourth-place finishes in Class 4A. Belfort went from a 59.77 in the 400 hurdles to a 58.16 less than two weeks later at the Southeast Meet of Champions.
Event(s): Hammer
Analysis: Bizon's been solid in this event but came in fifth at the Rhode Island State Championships with a throw of 168 feet, 7 inches with a 4 kg hammer. Her personal best this season is 181 feet, giving her the fourth-best mark in the country.
Event(s): Long jump, heptathlon
Analysis: Bowden's ranked top 10 in the country in both the long jump (8th) and the heptathlon (1st), with a mark of 20 feet, 7.75 inches in the long jump and a mark of 5,463 in the heptathlon. The Puerto Rico native cleared the rest of her PIAA rivals by over 16 inches at the state meet.
Event(s): 400 hurdles, 4x200 relay, 4x400, 4x100 shuttle hurdle
Analysis: Brown's one of three Bullis School runners on this list, competing in four events at New Balance. She owns the ninth-best mark in the country in the 400 hurdles, which came at the beginning of May at the Puma East Coast International Showcase with a time of 59.70.
Event(s): 2000-meter steeplechase
Analysis: Castro's one of a handful of steeplechase runners set to run in a competitive race, as it'll showcase 14 of the top 25 runners in the nation. Castro PR'd at the Section 1 Class AA Championships less than a month ago with a time of 6:57.36.
Event(s): 400 hurdles, 4x400 relay, 4x100 shuttle hurdle
Analysis: Chadwick's a top two runner in the country in the 400 hurdles, most recently clocking a 57.39 at the NJSIAA Meet of Champions. Fellow New Jerseyan Natalie Dumas edged her by just under four tenths of a second. Despite finishing second, she'll be the favorite in Philadelphia.
Event(s): 2000 steeplechase, 4x400 relay
Analysis: Chapman's right up there with the best in the steeplechase, just four seconds off the No. 1 mark in the nation, which was set on May 9, 2026. The Ohio product took second place at the New Balance Nationals last year with a mark of 6:36.96.
Event(s): 200-meter, 4x100 relay, long jump, 4x400 mixed relay
Analysis: Cotton's had an excellent season, taking home second place at the VHSL Class 6 State Championships on June 6, 2026, along with podium finishes in the 100, 200, and 400-meter races. The William and Mary commit has a personal best of 20 feet, 8 inches, which came in early May.
Event(s): 200-meter, 400 hurdles, 4x200 relay
Analysis: Edwards completed her track season with Pennsauken in June, coming in second in the 400 hurdles with a time of 59.17 before placing fourth at the NJSIAA State Meet of Champions a few days later. Edwards has been very consistent, hovering around the minute mark in her five races this year.
Event(s): 800-meter, 1-mile run
Analysis: Estep's ranked in both the 800 and the 1-mile run, with times that rank eighth and fifth in the nation, respectively. The Cardinal Gibbons product set the North Carolina state record in the 800, clocking a time of 2:04.96. Estep was near perfect this year on the prep circuit, winning all but one race.
Event(s): 1-mile run, 2-mile run
Analysis: Fletcher has been flat-out dominant against her competition in West Virginia, going unbeaten in the 400, 800, 1600, and 3200-meter races. The sophomore will aim to build off her finishes from last season, placing 55th in the 1-mile run and 9th in the 2-mile run. Her 1-mile run time of 4:40.86 ranks 10th-best in the country, coming on June 7, 2026, at the Brooks PR Invitational.
Event(s): Pole vault
Analysis: Fuhrmeister has emerged as one of Pennsylvania's premier pole vaulters, soaring to a season-best 13 feet, 10.5 inches which is a top-five mark nationwide. With national-caliber credentials and a history of rising to the occasion, she could contend for a top finish at New Balance Nationals.
Event(s): 2,000-meter steeplechase
Analysis: Furman has emerged as one of New York's top distance talents, highlighted by a state title in the 3,000 meters, but she'll be looking to compete in a loaded steeplechase group. A New Balance All-American in the steeplechase and proven championship racer, Furman will look to cap another standout season amongst the nation's best.
Event(s): 1-mile run, 2-mile run
Analysis: Garmer enters New Balance Nationals with credentials that include a national title in the 5,000 meters in last year's race. The Furman commit will not defend her title in the 5,000-meter run, instead opting to go double duty in the 1,500- and 3,000-meter races.
Event(s): 2-mile run
Analysis: Also committed to Furman, Garmer earned All-American honors with a fifth-place finish in the 5,000 meters at last year's New Balance Nationals while consistently posting elite marks from the mile as well as the 5K.
Event(s): Long jump, 4x100 shuttle hurdle
Analysis: Gatling has developed into one of Virginia's premier jumpers, capturing a Class 5 state title in the long jump while also ranking among the state's best in the high jump. Gatling has been between 18 feet, 10 inches and 20 feet, 7 inches this season.
Event(s): 800-meter, 1-mile run, 2-mile run
Analysis: One of the nation's fastest-rising distance stars, Glenn put together a remarkable sophomore campaign that included Illinois Class 3A state titles in the 800 meters and 1,600 meters while helping St. Charles North capture the 4x800 relay crown.
Event(s): 800-meter, 1-mile run, distance medley relay
Analysis: Hennessy enters New Balance Nationals with one of the fastest mile times in the country this season, ranking among the nation's top three after running 4:35.14. The Washington signee has established herself as one of New England's premier distance runners, set to do big things in Seattle with the Huskies.
Event(s): 5000-meter, 2-mile run
Analysis: Committed to Colorado, Hoffman owns the No. 1 time in the 5K at 16:02.14, which came on April 25, 2026. Hoffman started running in middle school and reached another level last year following a breakout cross country campaign. An average mile time around 4:50 should play well for her in Philly.
Event(s): 100-meter, 200-meter
Analysis: One of the nation's most electrifying young talents, Holt has already established herself as a sprint phenom with age-group records and national titles to her name. Still only a freshman, the North Carolina standout will be looking to add another chapter to an already impressive resume.
Event(s): 100 hurdles, 4x200 relay, 4x400 relay, 4x100 shuttle hurdle
Analysis: Hopkins is the standard in the hurdles, clocking a time of 13.11 seconds in late May, continuing her streak of six consecutive wins in the 100 hurdles. She'll also look to be a key contributor on Bullis' nationally ranked relay squads.
Event(s): High jump, 4x200 relay
Analysis: One of the nation's leading high jumpers, Jones has soared to 5-feet-10 inches this season and arrives at New Balance Nationals with credentials that put her firmly in the hunt for All-American honors. The North Stafford standout will look to level up heading into her junior year.
Event(s): 800-meter, 400 hurdles, 2,000-meter steeplechase
Analysis: Kasten's running a very interesting trifecta of events this weekend, doing mid-distance, lengthy hurdles, and a grueling steeplechase race to finish. One of the country's fastest sophomores, Kasten has emerged as a rising star in distance, clocking a time of 6:43.99 in the steeplechase which ranks as No. 2 in the nation.
[IMG alt="Allison Lee of West Windsor-Plainsboro North places third. NJSIAA Cross Country Meet of Champions takes place at Holmdel Park.
Holmdel, NJ
Saturday, November 16, 2024"]https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_sports_articles_558/040f192b592240b79806b64d3e03eebf[/IMG]
Event(s): 2-mile run, 1,600 sprint medley relay, distance medley relay
Analysis: Lee comes into a competitive field in the 2-mile run, posting a time of 10:07.47 which ranks 10th in the nation. It's a good spot for Lee to potentially get redemption, as a top-three finish was within reach at the Brooks PR Invitational.
Event(s): 5,000-meter
Analysis: The nation's best runner in the 2-mile run will look to extend herself her on the national stage, debuting in the 5K for the first time. Lowen's been elite as a 2-mile runner, clocking times below 10 minutes which should prep her well here for a longer race.
Event(s): 800-meter, 4x400 relay, 4x800 relay
Analysis: Moore set a personal best just 11 days ago at the Brooks PR Invitational, clocking a 2:04.68 in the 800 to place second behind another New Jersey product in Paige Sheppard.
Event(s): 5,000-meter, 2,000-meter steeplechase
Analysis: Nighbor has capped a remarkable career by becoming the most accomplished distance runner in Clover history, earning state titles in the 1,600 and 3,200-meter races, as well as a cross-country title in the fall. The South Carolina Gatorade Cross Country Runner of the Year is surely to be a contender in both races.
Event(s): Long jump, triple jump
Analysis: The Penn signee will get an early look at the campus she'll be on for the next four seasons, looking to build off momentum from the spring in New Jersey. Parsons logged a triple jump of 43 feet, 0.5 inches came at the Carifta Games, representing Trinidad and Tobago in the U20 division, making her the favorite in the event.
Event(s): 800-meter, 4x400 relay, distance medley relay
Analysis: One of the nation's most accomplished freshmen, Robisky has rewritten New Jersey freshman record books in the 400, 600, and 800 meters while emerging as a key contributor on Union Catholic's record-setting relay squads. After running 54.35 in the 400 and 2:08.68 in the 800, she enters as one of the next up-and-comers nationally.
Event(s): Javelin, heptathlon
Analysis: Schneider is one of the nation's most versatile athletes, excelling in the javelin, high jump, and heptathlon while continuing to climb the national rankings in the throws. The Virginia recruit enters New Balance Nationals as the defending outdoor national champion in the javelin and has extended her personal best to more than 160 feet this season.
Event(s): Long jump, triple jump
Analysis: One of the premier jumpers in the country, Shavers produced the longest wind-legal triple jump in the U.S. this year, posting a mark of 42 feet, 11.5 inches at the FHSAA Class 3A State Championships in early May. She also owns a long jump mark of 19 feet, 5.5 inches, making her a candidate to double podium.
Event(s): 4x400 relay, distance medley relay
Analysis: The nation's top runner in the 800 is not running the event, opting to partake in a pair of relays instead. Sheppard owns national class records in both the mile and 800 meters and has climbed into the all-time top 10 in the mile with her time of 4:33.67.
Event(s): 400-meter, 4x100 relay, 4x400 relay
Analysis: Varnado comes in after a breakout sophomore season that established her among California's top quarter-milers, highlighted by a runner-up finish in the state 400 meters. She'll be a key piece of Wilson's 4x400 relay alongside Clara Adams, positioning them well to take home gold.
Event(s): 5,000-meter, 2,000-meter steeplechase, 4x800 relay
Analysis: Fresh off New York state and federation titles in the 3,000 meters, Wasserman heads to Philadelphia entered in the 5,000 meters, 2,000-meter steeplechase, and 4x800 relay. The senior has built a reputation as one of the state's toughest championship racers, looking to build off a 6:41.07 mark in the steeplechase back in May.
Event(s): 800-meter, 1-mile run, 2-mile run, 4x400 relay
Analysis: Few athletes arrive in Philadelphia with a broader range than Weller, who is entered in the 800, mile, 2-mile, and 4x400 relay. The NC State signee won the championship 2-mile at New Balance Nationals Indoor and has since lowered her mile best to 4:33.77, making her a contender across multiple events.
Event(s): Pole vault, 4x400 relay, heptathlon, 4x400 mixed relay
Analysis: Competing at the same school that produced Kobe Bryant, Wilent has developed into one of the nation's top pole vaulters. The Lower Merion standout claimed the PIAA Class AAA title with a 14 feet clearance and arrives at New Balance with momentum from a career-defining season.
Event(s): 100-meter, 200-meter, 4x100 relay, 4x200 relay
Analysis: Ranked inside the top 10 with a 23.03 time in the 200, Wynn is another New Jersey product making the short trek to Philadelphia. Wynn added state titles and national-caliber marks to an already impressive resume. Having entered four events, expect the Florida signee to make her presence felt.
Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X at @NP_AlexMartin or via email: [email protected]. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow @usatodayhss on Instagram and X.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New Balance Nationals Outdoor girls track and field athletes to know
Continue reading...
The New Balance Nationals Outdoor will take place starting Thursday, June 18, through Sunday, June 21. Close to a thousand athletes will descend upon Philadelphia, competing at Franklin Field on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania.
Here are 40 girls track and field standouts to watch, in alphabetical order, heading into the New Balance Nationals.
Clara Adams, Long Beach Wilson (Calif.)
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Event(s): 4x400 relay
Analysis: Adams is only racing the 4x400 in Philadelphia despite having the fifth best 400 time in the country this season. The rising senior is fresh off a pair of state titles with Woodrow Wilson, winning the 400 (52.28) and the 200 (23.40).
Mya Arrendell, Bullis School (Md.)
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Event(s): 100-meter, 4x100 relay, 4x400 relay
Analysis: Arrendell looks to continue what's been an elite legacy of Bullis School runners, developing into an elite sprinter in the 100, 200, and 400 along with relays. Arrendell shattered the national 300-meter indoor record in December 2025 despite being less than four months into high school.
Olivia Barr, Wakefield (Va.)
Event(s): Javelin
Analysis: Barr's fresh off a javelin state title in the state of Virginia, logging a mark of 156 feet, 2 inches, beating second place by over 80 feet. She'll be the favorite going into the event but should be pushed by Pennsylvania native Eliana Schneider.
Kyara Belfort, St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.)
Event(s): 400 hurdles
Analysis: Belfort was strong with St. Thomas Aquinas this past season, going to state in the 100 hurdles, 400 hurdles, and 4x400 with fourth-, second-, and fourth-place finishes in Class 4A. Belfort went from a 59.77 in the 400 hurdles to a 58.16 less than two weeks later at the Southeast Meet of Champions.
Cece Bizon, Ponaganset (R.I.)
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Event(s): Hammer
Analysis: Bizon's been solid in this event but came in fifth at the Rhode Island State Championships with a throw of 168 feet, 7 inches with a 4 kg hammer. Her personal best this season is 181 feet, giving her the fourth-best mark in the country.
Aydriane Bowden, Kennett (Pa.)
Event(s): Long jump, heptathlon
Analysis: Bowden's ranked top 10 in the country in both the long jump (8th) and the heptathlon (1st), with a mark of 20 feet, 7.75 inches in the long jump and a mark of 5,463 in the heptathlon. The Puerto Rico native cleared the rest of her PIAA rivals by over 16 inches at the state meet.
Kennedy Brown, Bullis School (Md.)
Event(s): 400 hurdles, 4x200 relay, 4x400, 4x100 shuttle hurdle
Analysis: Brown's one of three Bullis School runners on this list, competing in four events at New Balance. She owns the ninth-best mark in the country in the 400 hurdles, which came at the beginning of May at the Puma East Coast International Showcase with a time of 59.70.
Gaby Castro, North Rockland (N.Y.)
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Event(s): 2000-meter steeplechase
Analysis: Castro's one of a handful of steeplechase runners set to run in a competitive race, as it'll showcase 14 of the top 25 runners in the nation. Castro PR'd at the Section 1 Class AA Championships less than a month ago with a time of 6:57.36.
Sydney Chadwick, Union Catholic (N.J.)
Event(s): 400 hurdles, 4x400 relay, 4x100 shuttle hurdle
Analysis: Chadwick's a top two runner in the country in the 400 hurdles, most recently clocking a 57.39 at the NJSIAA Meet of Champions. Fellow New Jerseyan Natalie Dumas edged her by just under four tenths of a second. Despite finishing second, she'll be the favorite in Philadelphia.
Brooke Chapman, Olentangy Orange (Ohio)
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Event(s): 2000 steeplechase, 4x400 relay
Analysis: Chapman's right up there with the best in the steeplechase, just four seconds off the No. 1 mark in the nation, which was set on May 9, 2026. The Ohio product took second place at the New Balance Nationals last year with a mark of 6:36.96.
Sascha Cotton, North Stafford (Va.)
Event(s): 200-meter, 4x100 relay, long jump, 4x400 mixed relay
Analysis: Cotton's had an excellent season, taking home second place at the VHSL Class 6 State Championships on June 6, 2026, along with podium finishes in the 100, 200, and 400-meter races. The William and Mary commit has a personal best of 20 feet, 8 inches, which came in early May.
Hope Edwards, Pennsauken (N.J.)
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Event(s): 200-meter, 400 hurdles, 4x200 relay
Analysis: Edwards completed her track season with Pennsauken in June, coming in second in the 400 hurdles with a time of 59.17 before placing fourth at the NJSIAA State Meet of Champions a few days later. Edwards has been very consistent, hovering around the minute mark in her five races this year.
Kaitlyn Estep, Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.)
Event(s): 800-meter, 1-mile run
Analysis: Estep's ranked in both the 800 and the 1-mile run, with times that rank eighth and fifth in the nation, respectively. The Cardinal Gibbons product set the North Carolina state record in the 800, clocking a time of 2:04.96. Estep was near perfect this year on the prep circuit, winning all but one race.
Maysen Fletcher, Herbert Hoover (W. Va.)
Event(s): 1-mile run, 2-mile run
Analysis: Fletcher has been flat-out dominant against her competition in West Virginia, going unbeaten in the 400, 800, 1600, and 3200-meter races. The sophomore will aim to build off her finishes from last season, placing 55th in the 1-mile run and 9th in the 2-mile run. Her 1-mile run time of 4:40.86 ranks 10th-best in the country, coming on June 7, 2026, at the Brooks PR Invitational.
Maddie Fuhrmeister, Central Bucks West (Pa.)
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Event(s): Pole vault
Analysis: Fuhrmeister has emerged as one of Pennsylvania's premier pole vaulters, soaring to a season-best 13 feet, 10.5 inches which is a top-five mark nationwide. With national-caliber credentials and a history of rising to the occasion, she could contend for a top finish at New Balance Nationals.
Anna Furman, Tri-Valley Central (N.Y.)
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Event(s): 2,000-meter steeplechase
Analysis: Furman has emerged as one of New York's top distance talents, highlighted by a state title in the 3,000 meters, but she'll be looking to compete in a loaded steeplechase group. A New Balance All-American in the steeplechase and proven championship racer, Furman will look to cap another standout season amongst the nation's best.
Calysta Garmer, Webb School of Knoxville (Tenn.)
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Event(s): 1-mile run, 2-mile run
Analysis: Garmer enters New Balance Nationals with credentials that include a national title in the 5,000 meters in last year's race. The Furman commit will not defend her title in the 5,000-meter run, instead opting to go double duty in the 1,500- and 3,000-meter races.
Jazzlyn Garmer, Webb School of Knoxville (Tenn.)
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Event(s): 2-mile run
Analysis: Also committed to Furman, Garmer earned All-American honors with a fifth-place finish in the 5,000 meters at last year's New Balance Nationals while consistently posting elite marks from the mile as well as the 5K.
Destini Gatling, Deep Creek (Va.)
Event(s): Long jump, 4x100 shuttle hurdle
Analysis: Gatling has developed into one of Virginia's premier jumpers, capturing a Class 5 state title in the long jump while also ranking among the state's best in the high jump. Gatling has been between 18 feet, 10 inches and 20 feet, 7 inches this season.
Kara Glenn, St. Charles North (Ill.)
Event(s): 800-meter, 1-mile run, 2-mile run
Analysis: One of the nation's fastest-rising distance stars, Glenn put together a remarkable sophomore campaign that included Illinois Class 3A state titles in the 800 meters and 1,600 meters while helping St. Charles North capture the 4x800 relay crown.
Abigail Hennessy, Westford Academy (Mass.)
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Event(s): 800-meter, 1-mile run, distance medley relay
Analysis: Hennessy enters New Balance Nationals with one of the fastest mile times in the country this season, ranking among the nation's top three after running 4:35.14. The Washington signee has established herself as one of New England's premier distance runners, set to do big things in Seattle with the Huskies.
Emma Hoffman, Otsego (Mich.)
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Event(s): 5000-meter, 2-mile run
Analysis: Committed to Colorado, Hoffman owns the No. 1 time in the 5K at 16:02.14, which came on April 25, 2026. Hoffman started running in middle school and reached another level last year following a breakout cross country campaign. An average mile time around 4:50 should play well for her in Philly.
Zhoe Holt, Bradford Prep (N.C.)
Event(s): 100-meter, 200-meter
Analysis: One of the nation's most electrifying young talents, Holt has already established herself as a sprint phenom with age-group records and national titles to her name. Still only a freshman, the North Carolina standout will be looking to add another chapter to an already impressive resume.
Kassidy Hopkins, Bullis School (Md.)
Event(s): 100 hurdles, 4x200 relay, 4x400 relay, 4x100 shuttle hurdle
Analysis: Hopkins is the standard in the hurdles, clocking a time of 13.11 seconds in late May, continuing her streak of six consecutive wins in the 100 hurdles. She'll also look to be a key contributor on Bullis' nationally ranked relay squads.
Caidyn Jones, North Stafford (Va.)
Event(s): High jump, 4x200 relay
Analysis: One of the nation's leading high jumpers, Jones has soared to 5-feet-10 inches this season and arrives at New Balance Nationals with credentials that put her firmly in the hunt for All-American honors. The North Stafford standout will look to level up heading into her junior year.
Caitlin Kasten, Marvin Ridge (N.C.)
Event(s): 800-meter, 400 hurdles, 2,000-meter steeplechase
Analysis: Kasten's running a very interesting trifecta of events this weekend, doing mid-distance, lengthy hurdles, and a grueling steeplechase race to finish. One of the country's fastest sophomores, Kasten has emerged as a rising star in distance, clocking a time of 6:43.99 in the steeplechase which ranks as No. 2 in the nation.
Allison Lee, West Windsor-Plainsboro North (N.J.)
[IMG alt="Allison Lee of West Windsor-Plainsboro North places third. NJSIAA Cross Country Meet of Champions takes place at Holmdel Park.
Holmdel, NJ
Saturday, November 16, 2024"]https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_sports_articles_558/040f192b592240b79806b64d3e03eebf[/IMG]
Event(s): 2-mile run, 1,600 sprint medley relay, distance medley relay
Analysis: Lee comes into a competitive field in the 2-mile run, posting a time of 10:07.47 which ranks 10th in the nation. It's a good spot for Lee to potentially get redemption, as a top-three finish was within reach at the Brooks PR Invitational.
Averi Lowen, Bowdon (Ga.)
Event(s): 5,000-meter
Analysis: The nation's best runner in the 2-mile run will look to extend herself her on the national stage, debuting in the 5K for the first time. Lowen's been elite as a 2-mile runner, clocking times below 10 minutes which should prep her well here for a longer race.
Reagan Moore, Oak Knoll (N.J.)
Event(s): 800-meter, 4x400 relay, 4x800 relay
Analysis: Moore set a personal best just 11 days ago at the Brooks PR Invitational, clocking a 2:04.68 in the 800 to place second behind another New Jersey product in Paige Sheppard.
Ella Nighbor, Clover (S.C.)
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Event(s): 5,000-meter, 2,000-meter steeplechase
Analysis: Nighbor has capped a remarkable career by becoming the most accomplished distance runner in Clover history, earning state titles in the 1,600 and 3,200-meter races, as well as a cross-country title in the fall. The South Carolina Gatorade Cross Country Runner of the Year is surely to be a contender in both races.
Seannah Parsons, Randolph (N.J.)
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Event(s): Long jump, triple jump
Analysis: The Penn signee will get an early look at the campus she'll be on for the next four seasons, looking to build off momentum from the spring in New Jersey. Parsons logged a triple jump of 43 feet, 0.5 inches came at the Carifta Games, representing Trinidad and Tobago in the U20 division, making her the favorite in the event.
Abigail Robisky, Union Catholic (N.J.)
Event(s): 800-meter, 4x400 relay, distance medley relay
Analysis: One of the nation's most accomplished freshmen, Robisky has rewritten New Jersey freshman record books in the 400, 600, and 800 meters while emerging as a key contributor on Union Catholic's record-setting relay squads. After running 54.35 in the 400 and 2:08.68 in the 800, she enters as one of the next up-and-comers nationally.
Eliana Schneider, Cedar Crest (Pa.)
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Event(s): Javelin, heptathlon
Analysis: Schneider is one of the nation's most versatile athletes, excelling in the javelin, high jump, and heptathlon while continuing to climb the national rankings in the throws. The Virginia recruit enters New Balance Nationals as the defending outdoor national champion in the javelin and has extended her personal best to more than 160 feet this season.
Mikayla Shavers, Fleming Island (Fla.)
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Event(s): Long jump, triple jump
Analysis: One of the premier jumpers in the country, Shavers produced the longest wind-legal triple jump in the U.S. this year, posting a mark of 42 feet, 11.5 inches at the FHSAA Class 3A State Championships in early May. She also owns a long jump mark of 19 feet, 5.5 inches, making her a candidate to double podium.
Paige Sheppard, Union Catholic (N.J.)
Event(s): 4x400 relay, distance medley relay
Analysis: The nation's top runner in the 800 is not running the event, opting to partake in a pair of relays instead. Sheppard owns national class records in both the mile and 800 meters and has climbed into the all-time top 10 in the mile with her time of 4:33.67.
Saniah Varnado, Long Beach Wilson (Calif.)
Event(s): 400-meter, 4x100 relay, 4x400 relay
Analysis: Varnado comes in after a breakout sophomore season that established her among California's top quarter-milers, highlighted by a runner-up finish in the state 400 meters. She'll be a key piece of Wilson's 4x400 relay alongside Clara Adams, positioning them well to take home gold.
Sloan Wasserman, John Jay-Cross River (N.Y.)
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Event(s): 5,000-meter, 2,000-meter steeplechase, 4x800 relay
Analysis: Fresh off New York state and federation titles in the 3,000 meters, Wasserman heads to Philadelphia entered in the 5,000 meters, 2,000-meter steeplechase, and 4x800 relay. The senior has built a reputation as one of the state's toughest championship racers, looking to build off a 6:41.07 mark in the steeplechase back in May.
Mallory Weller, Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran (Ind.)
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Event(s): 800-meter, 1-mile run, 2-mile run, 4x400 relay
Analysis: Few athletes arrive in Philadelphia with a broader range than Weller, who is entered in the 800, mile, 2-mile, and 4x400 relay. The NC State signee won the championship 2-mile at New Balance Nationals Indoor and has since lowered her mile best to 4:33.77, making her a contender across multiple events.
Viola Wilent, Lower Merion (Pa.)
Event(s): Pole vault, 4x400 relay, heptathlon, 4x400 mixed relay
Analysis: Competing at the same school that produced Kobe Bryant, Wilent has developed into one of the nation's top pole vaulters. The Lower Merion standout claimed the PIAA Class AAA title with a 14 feet clearance and arrives at New Balance with momentum from a career-defining season.
Sianni Wynn, Pennsauken (N.J.)
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Event(s): 100-meter, 200-meter, 4x100 relay, 4x200 relay
Analysis: Ranked inside the top 10 with a 23.03 time in the 200, Wynn is another New Jersey product making the short trek to Philadelphia. Wynn added state titles and national-caliber marks to an already impressive resume. Having entered four events, expect the Florida signee to make her presence felt.
Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X at @NP_AlexMartin or via email: [email protected]. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow @usatodayhss on Instagram and X.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New Balance Nationals Outdoor girls track and field athletes to know
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