As the 2026 Georgia track and field season reaches its peak, the "Class of 2028" is proving that youth is no barrier to excellence. While the upperclassmen often grab the headlines, a remarkable group of sophomores is primed to do more than just participate-they are ready to score big at the GHSA State Championships and cement their status as the next generation of Georgia icons. These sophomores aren't just the future; they are the present. Looking at the leaderboards, it's clear that the Class of 2028 is ready to leave an indelible mark on the GHSA State Championships this May.
The Speed Merchants: Sprints and Hurdles
The blocks are loaded this year with sophomore talent capable of shifting the state rankings in a matter of seconds.
Mina Lovelace (100m/200m): A specialist in explosive starts, Lovelace has been a constant fixture in sub-12.00 conversations. Her season highlight includes a blistering 11.44w in the 100m, proving she can maintain top-end speed against the state's fastest veterans.
Sa'niyah Williams (100m/200m): Williams is the definition of "clutch." She recently clocked a personal best of 24.05s in the 200m, showing off a transition phase that leaves the field trailing coming off the curve.
Nolyn Herron (400m): The quarter-mile is all about heart, and Herron has plenty. She stunned the field with a 55.41s performance earlier this April, asserting herself as a top-three contender for the state podium.
Valynsia Calhoun (100m/300m Hurdles): Calhoun's technical proficiency is years ahead of her age. Her standout 43.04s in the 300m hurdles showcases a rare ability to maintain stride pattern and speed through the final two barriers.
Aniah Davis (200m/300m Hurdles): Davis brings a unique combination of flat speed and hurdle endurance, notably posting a 42.57s in the 300m hurdles while simultaneously maintaining a top-tier 24.53s in the open 200m.
The Engine Room: Distance and Middle Distance
Georgia's distance tradition is alive and well, with these four leading the pack toward May.
Morgan Means (800m): Means has perfected the art of the 800m "sit and kick." Her season best of 2:08.61 was headlined by a final 200m split that demoralized the competition in a tactical invitational field.
Paige Comstock (1600m): Comstock is a rhythm runner who thrives when the pace is honest. She recently dipped under the elite threshold with a 4:58.00, proving she has the aerobic engine to contend for a state title.
Morgan Waddell (3200m): When it comes to the eight-lap grind, Waddell is as tough as they come. Her metronomic pacing led her to a massive 10:52.00 season best, showing she can handle the high-volume pressure of championship racing.
Power and Flight: The Field Events
In the rings and on the runways, these sophomores are defying gravity and personal bests alike.
Jillian Waterman (Shot Put): Waterman has become a staple at the top of the leaderboards. Her powerhouse performance of 47' 6" this season established her as the sophomore to beat in the throwing circle.
Sierra Thornton (Shot Put/Discus): A dual-threat in the rings, Thornton brings massive power to both events. She notched a season-best 145' 5" in the discus, a mark that puts her in the conversation for an overall state-wide top five ranking.
Janessa Brown (Long Jump): Brown is a natural athlete with incredible "pop" off the board. She recently soared to an 20' 10" jump, proving she has the explosive power to challenge the best juniors and seniors in the pit.
Zoe Oye (High Jump/Triple Jump): Whether she's clearing the bar or landing in the sand, Oye is all about flight. Her 5' 8" clearance in the high jump and 41' 5" triple jump make her one of the most versatile scorers in the field.
Joy Orgbon (Pole Vault): Orgbon is fearless at heights that make most veterans blink. Clearing 12' 0" earlier this month, she has officially entered the conversation for the state's elite vaulting circle.
As the 2026 Georgia track and field season reaches its peak, the "Class of 2028" is proving that youth is no barrier to excellence. While the upperclassmen often grab the headlines, a remarkable group of sophomores is primed to do more than just participate-they are ready to score big at the GHSA State Championships and cement their status as the next generation of Georgia icons. These sophomores aren't just the future; they are the present. Looking at the leaderboards, it's clear that the Class of 2028 is ready to leave an indelible mark on the GHSA State Championships this May.
The Speed Merchants: Sprints and Hurdles
The blocks are loaded this year with sophomore talent capable of shifting the state rankings in a matter of seconds.