As we move into the heart of the 2026 outdoor season, the sophomore class (Class of 2028) in Georgia is proving that the future of the sport is in very capable hands. From blazing times on the straightaway to dominant performances in the throwing rings, these 10th-graders are already competing at a level that rivals the state's best seniors.
Here are 12 sophomore girls who have established themselves as mid-season leaders across the state. These are based on the latest MileSplit GA rankings
Mina Lovelace (McEachern): Lovelace is the undisputed "Speed Queen" of the sophomore class. She opened her season with a dominant sweep at the MTFXCCGA Invitational, clocking a 11.47 in the 100m and a 23.83 in the 200m. Her times currently lead the entire state and rank among the nation's elite for underclassmen
Pasha Clayton (Pope): Clayton has made a major leap in the quarter-mile. She is currently the fastest sophomore in the 400m with a season-best of 57.40, proving she has the strength to compete for a Class 5A podium spot this May.
Sydney Sherrod (Greater Atlanta): Sherrod has been a force in the long sprints throughout the indoor and early outdoor season. Her 55.32 in the 400m established her as an elite talent, and she continues to drop fast times as the weather warms up.
Aniah Davis (Sprayberry): Davis rounds out a deep group of sophomore quarter-milers. With a 55.82 under her belt, she is consistently in the mix at the state's biggest invitationals and shows the closing speed of a much more seasoned runner.
Morgan Means (Heritage - Conyers): Means has emerged as a middle-distance powerhouse this spring. Her 2:11.98 in the 800m at the Gail Devers Invitational is the standard for the Class of 2028 and places her among the elite all-class leaders in Georgia.
Morgan Huggins (The Mount Vernon School): Huggins has been the pace-setter for sophomores in the 3200m. Her 11:27.60 at the Metro Atlanta Championship shows she has the engine to compete with the best in the private school ranks and beyond.
Paige Comstock (Harrison): Following in a strong family tradition of Harrison distance stars, Comstock sits near the top of the sophomore class in the 3200m with a time of 11:14. She is a crucial piece of a Hoyas squad that is once again contending for team state honors.
Valynsia Calhoun (Lakeside Evans): Calhoun is making a massive name for herself in the long hurdles. She currently holds the top sophomore mark in the 300m hurdles with a 43.04, set at the Atlanta Games Invitational, proving she can handle the technical demands of the event under pressure.
Nya Milliner (Langston Hughes): Milliner has been the most consistent challenger to Calhoun's dominance. She recently posted a 43.32 in the 300m hurdles at the Panther Classic, showing she has the closing speed to potentially upset the rankings come state meet time.
Jillian Waterman (Cherokee): Waterman is the most dominant sophomore thrower in Georgia. Her massive launch of 47-06.00 in the Shot Put at the Cartersville Purple Hurricane Invitational is the definitive mark for any thrower in the state to chase this year.
Zoe Oye (North Cobb): Oye is a vertical and horizontal leap specialist. Clearing 5-08.00 in the High Jump, she sits comfortably at the top of the sophomore rankings. She also holds the class lead in the Triple Jump with a mark of 41-05.00.
Janessa Brown (Buford): Proving her status as one of the state's best all-around athletes, Brown also leads the sophomore class in the Long Jump with a mark of 20-10, often scoring high for Buford in both the pits and on the track.