USA TODAY Announces 2024 Girls Track Athlete of the Year Watch List

USA TODAY High School Sports has released its watch list for the 2024 Girls Track Athlete of the Year award. The list features 10 of the most promising high school female track and field athletes from across the country who have demonstrated exceptional talent and potential in their respective events.

The athletes on the watch list represent a wide range of track and field disciplines, including sprints, middle distance, long distance, hurdles, jumps, and throws. Each athlete has already achieved impressive personal bests and won major titles at the state and national levels in their high school careers thus far.

Among the standout athletes on the list is Jasmine Moore, a junior from Texas who holds the national high school record in the triple jump. Moore won the event at the 2023 USA Track & Field U20 Championships and is considered a strong contender for the 2024 Olympic team.

Other notable athletes include Roisin Willis, a middle distance runner from Wisconsin who broke the national high school record in the 800 meters last year, and Akala Garrett, a hurdler from California who won both the 100m and 300m hurdles at the 2023 state championships as a sophomore.

Why this matters: The USA TODAY High School Sports Awards recognize the top high school athletes across the country in a variety of sports. The Girls Track Athlete of the Year award is one of the most prestigious honors for young female track and field athletes. Making the watch list is a significant achievement that can raise an athlete's profile and open up opportunities for college scholarships and future success in the sport.

The full watch list includes athletes from 10 different states, highlighting the depth of talent in girls' high school track and field nationwide. "These young women represent the very best of high school track and field," said USA TODAY High School Sports editor Jason Bernstein. "We look forward to following their progress over the next year as they chase records, titles, and excellence on the track."

Key Takeaways

• USA TODAY released 2024 Girls Track Athlete of the Year watch list.
• List features 10 promising high school female track and field athletes.
• Jasmine Moore holds national high school record in triple jump.
• Roisin Willis broke national high school 800m record last year.
• Watch list recognition can lead to college scholarships and future success.