LEAP Squad Qualified 18 Athletes to USATF Junior Olympic Nationals

LEAP Squad Track Club delivered one of its strongest performances of the season at the USATF Region 16 Junior Olympic Championships, producing 27 national qualifying performances, 21 personal bests, and advancing 18 athletes to the USATF National Junior Olympic Championships.

The team was led by five regional champions, multiple medalists, and breakthrough performances across the long jump, triple jump, hurdles, and high jump.

Five Regional Champions Crowned

LEAP Squad earned five individual titles during the meet:

• Ava Palmer won the Girls 15–16 100-meter hurdles in a personal best 14.92

• Nitai Hagashi captured the Boys 15–16 long jump title with a mark of 6.54m

• Nicole Ojeisekhoba won the Girls 17–18 long jump with 5.47m

• Solana Wang claimed the Girls 15–16 triple jump title with a personal best 11.09m

• Clayton Reyes cleared a personal best 1.80m to win the Boys 15–16 high jump

In total, LEAP Squad athletes combined for 16 top-three finishes throughout the championships.

Personal Bests Continue to Fall

The meet highlighted the continued growth of the program, as LEAP Squad athletes recorded 21 personal best performances.

Among those setting lifetime bests were:

• Ava Palmer

• Godden Forde

• Daniel Kim

• Emma Heiman

• Shelby Morley

• Savannah Stephens

• Solana Wang

• Sierra Benedict

• Clayton Reyes

• Sungju Bae

• Shamar Graham

Daniel Kim produced personal bests in both the long jump and triple jump, while several athletes delivered breakthrough performances at their first regional championship meet.

These performances reflect LEAP Squad's emphasis on technical development, patience, and long-term athlete growth.

Nationals Bound

By the conclusion of the championships, LEAP Squad secured 27 national qualifying performances from 18 different athletes, earning spots at the USATF National Junior Olympic Championships.

LEAP Squad by the Numbers

🥇 5 Regional Champions

🥈 5 Runner-Up Finishes

🥉 6 Third-Place Finishes

4️⃣ 5 Fourth-Place Finishes

5️⃣ 6 Fifth-Place Finishes

⭐ 27 National Qualifying Performances

🔥 21 Personal Best Performances

👟 18 Athletes Qualified for Nationals

Looking Ahead

Coach Keinan Briggs was proud of the group's efforts and the commitment displayed throughout the championship season.

"The athletes continue to show what happens when consistency, patience, and belief in the process come together. We had athletes competing in their first regional championship alongside athletes preparing for college competition, and everyone stepped up. I'm excited to see what they can do at Nationals."

LEAP Squad will now turn its attention toward the USATF National Junior Olympic Championships, where athletes will compete against some of the best young track and field talent in the country.

For many athletes, qualifying for Nationals is a major milestone.

For LEAP Squad, it is simply another step in a journey built on development, confidence, and a commitment to pursuing excellence.