Newberg track and field's Sophia Castaneda named OSAA athlete of the week

Newberg track and field sophomore standout Sophia Castaneda was one of the four athletes awarded athlete of the week for April 22-28 by the OSAA.

Castaneda ran the 400 meters in 54.96 seconds on April 24 at a Pacific Conference meet against Forest Grove and McMinnville. The time re-broke Castaneda's previous school record and slated her with the second-fastest time in the state this season, regardless of classification. The time also makes her the 12th fastest sophomore in the country.

Castaneda appears to be hitting her stride at just the right moment. She qualified individually for the 200 and 400 meters at the OSAA 6A state championships last season, securing silver in the 400. During the 2024 indoor season, she set a 400-meter personal best of 56.12 at the Husky Classic at the University of Washington, finishing third overall in the women's collegiate open.

She's only lost one race competing as an individual this outdoor season, with four wins in the 400, three wins in the 200, two wins in the 800 and one win in the 100. Castaneda and the Tigers is competing at the Pacific Conference Championships at George Fox University from Tuesday, May 7 through Thursday, May 9.