Girls track and field: Team-by-team previews for the 2024 season in North Jersey

Here's a look at every girls track and field team in North Jersey that submitted previews for the upcoming season.

Key: S: Sprints; H: Hurdles: J: Jumps; D: Distance; LS: Long sprints; MD: Mid-Distance; T: Throws; PV: Pole vault.

BIG NORTH CONFERENCE

American

Cliffside Park has a new head coach in former assistant Gabriela DePena and has a veteran group led by seniors Kaitlyn Shelley (H/J) and Leah Fedouchik (D) and junior Maddison Aquino (T) as the Red Raiders seek a county title.

Dumont also has a new head coach in Kenton Hughes and he welcomes one of Bergen County's most talented and versatile athletes in sophomore Jenna Monaco (H/S/PV). Senior Isabella Aberde (S) and soph Keiry Nunez (LS/MD) show promise.

Dwight Morrow has a very good sophomore jumper/sprinter in Trystin Mack and adds newcomers Anastasia Baker (senior sprinter) and freshman Bella Carmona (S), Jai'La Robinson (H/S) and Madison House (S/H).

Seniors Annlisa Aduhene-Fofie (S) and Sasha Zaoutine (J) and junior Olivia Pisinski (PV) are the top veterans at Fort Lee but the Bridgewomen are excited about their largest freshman class in a long time as they seek to remain contenders.

Ridgefield Park has an excellent senior thrower in Bree Cooney and also returns a fine junior class led by Juliana Giraldo Tabares (D), Breanna Harrison (D), Gabriella Ramos (LS/MD), and Michelene Miles (S/J).

Freedom

Hackensack has a very good senior class led by all-North Jersey sprinter Ayanna Chape and including seniors Maria Davila (D), Eshaal Wajahat (J/PV), Kiona Webber (S) and Rihanna Jean Francois (T) and junior Daniela Rodriguez (D) adds depth as the Comets try and crack the top 25.

If Northern Highlands can find some more points in the field, the Highlanders are as good as any team in the area, if not the state. Seniors Autumn Ritter (D), Allie Courtney (D/MD), Rebecca MacLaren (LS/MD), Anna Bryan-Jones (LS/H), Maddie Petrow (T), Emma Paccione (PV) and Kylie Labbate (PV) can score in any meet, juniors Farrah DelloRusso (MD), Meghan Buchanan (H), Alexa Birch (S) and Delia van der Heide (J) are top individuals and add to relay depth and sophs Leila Shamash (H), Kelsey Bennett (H) and Sadie Meloro (D) are among the best athletes in their event in their class in the state.

Paramus has its largest turnout since COVID and the Spartans could make some noise, with seniors Mia Kubus (T), Ava Warne (H/S) and Hana Weisinger (D), juniors Sophia Elbouazizi (MD), Christen Lee (H), Shyla Mirwani (H), Jordan Myers (S/J), Teah Polyakov (T) and sophs Julia DiDomenico (T), Priya Ramsaywack (S) and Sadie Valentin (T), Myers, Valentin and DiDomenico have all-Bergen potential.

Ramapo had a spectacular freshman class last year and adds an all-North Jersey winter 800 runner in freshman Bridget Cannon. Senior distance star Amelia Keogh is finally healthy and fellow seniors Erin Skamas (S) and Anna Wezner (D) are solid performers. The junior class is paced by cross-country standout Brianna Potaki (D), Micaela Chamberlin (D), Maddy Klecha (H/J) and Shayna Braver (J/H/PV). But oh that sophomore class. Grace Gilbert (T), Sandra Vitolo (H/J), Julia Mattioli (S), Kyra Magerko (S), Taylor LoIa (H/J), Mary Grusser (S), Jada Giordano (J) and Lauren Albino (S) all make the Raiders a threat this year and for years to come.

Ridgewood is also loaded with every class chockful of talent. Seniors Cellina Rabolli (D), Avery Sheridan (D), Bea Brassel (H) and Charlotte Papin (J) have great leadership and talent. The junior class led by Ayla Cooke (D), Kelsey D'Alonzo (LS), Lola Jacqueline (D), Eilat Kissil (D), Anna McHugh (J/H), Peyton Wennersten (MD) and Emerson Wiatrak (PV) is ready to step up. The soph class led by Zoe Hua (S/J), Kennedy Lubkemann (LS/H), Kaitlyn Sharma (D) and Lindsey Zadow (LS) makes the Maroons even deeper and freshman Katherine Keating (all-North Jersey cross-country) and Maeve Schoeler (D) are potential stars. All the Maroons need is a thrower.

Independence

Fair Lawn is rebuilding with seniors Abigail Choi (J), Jazmin Zapata (MD) and junior Ella Wiskidensky (LS/MD) the returnees who will do most of the scoring. But coach John Van Soest is hopeful that a record turnout can provide the new talent to speed the rebuild along. Junior Sophia Inoa (J) and freshman Katelyn Kennedy (T) are the early season standouts.

Lakeland welcomes former Hawthorne star Melissa Londregan-Walker as its new head coach, and she has some solid returning talent and leadership in seniors Alex Goll (LS), Ashley Hammerle (PV), Kayla Barnhardt (D) and Elisa Uzieri (PV) and juniors Brianna Rodriguez (J), Bella Andriulli (T) and Lainey Anderson (J). Soph Hope Walker (MD) and and freshman Jaelyn Vivanco (H) are intriguing newcomers.

Passaic Valley returns two senior letter winners, Passaic County javelin champ Alexandria Stefanelli (T) and Catherine Elder (T), but has a terrific junior class of Dezyiah Carswell (S), Alayna Antonucci (H/MD/PV), Giuliana Antonucci (H/MD/PV), Mackenzie Beazley (S/J), and Erin Ryan (T) that could propel them to league and county contention.

Wayne Hills has a shot at the Passaic County and league titles led by potential school record breakers in seniors Kara Langbaum (MD), Elizabeth Dankwa (T) and Alyssa Chan (S).

Wayne Valley did not submit information.

West Milford has a strong and balanced team that could contend in a balanced league. Seniors Chloe Brjibag (T), Madison Freideman (S/J), Lauren Grey (D), Madison Klein (S), Leah Mora (J) and Jess Orsino (S/J), juniors Dylan Preziosi (S/T) and Laurel Space (S/J/T) and super soph distance runners Ciara Clinton, Amanda Harvey and Brenna Traverso make the Highlanders a tough team to beat.

Liberty

Bergen Tech has a very young team with a strong turnout. Junior Isabella Formoso is one of the best pole vaulters in the state and sophs Mikayla Vigilani (S), Isabella Marinaccio (D), and Afua Anyadike (S/T) are among the bets in the clas in their events.

Clifton has a lot of experience in seniors Deborah Amoh (H/J), Denise Dubbels (H/PV), Lylah Flores (J/H) and Viktoria Green (D). Junior sprinter Mia DeVita should also score a lot of points.

Eastside did not submit information

Kennedy did not submit information.

Passaic did not submit information.

Passaic Tech did not submit information

National

Bergenfield hopes to rebuild with returning seniors Janelle Carr (S), Caelyn Freeman (S/J) and juniors Shruti Patel (D), Alexis Ching (S) and Mia Vasquez (J). But it's the future with freshmen Camille Hayletts (S), Jody Madriaga (S/H) and sophomore Skye Spence-El (T) who could provide excitement.

Demarest will contend for every major championship with a deep team that includes seniors Melissa Cen (D), Lauren Conti (S/J/H), North Jersey Volleyball Player of the Year Taylor Miller (J), Netta Saban (J), Syrenna Sayid (T), Kayla Sanchez (PV) and Leeya Rice (D) and an extraordinary junior class led by Kailey Attali (H/S/J), Ava Buckley (D), Maya Gueguen (D), Maya Mikay (T), Olivia Rothstein (H/S/J) and Gaby Rothstein (S).

No one has brighter stars than Old Tappan with defending state champions Layla Giordano (T) and Abby Dennis (H/S). Seniors Maya Giordano (T), Allie Tuite (PV) and Loucine Santana (T) are potential veteran point scorers as are juniors Jamie Kim (PV), Salome Sanchez (PV) and Harley McGinnity (H/J) and soph Angie Kelley (S). The Golden Knights shoot for a third straight sectional title and perhaps a second group title in three years.

Pascack Valley has some excellent returnees in seniors Ella Ackerman (S) and Mia Hachadourian (T), juniors Alia Moreira (T), Peyton Gallo (J) and Shana Weiss (T) and soph Allie Polyniak (S) and adds an strong freshman sprinter in Maddie Wu.

Former Clifton distance standout Hadeel Alshujaieh takes over at Teaneck and returns seniors Elena Guzman (D) and Lydia Rojas (D) and junior Zuri Williamson (LS). Look for newcomers Diamond Cannon (MD), Ri-yanna White (S), Lesley Smalls (H) and Stephanie Adeoshun (H) to help the Highwaywomen improve.

Tenafly is rebuilding after heavy graduation losses but the Tigers still have a lot of talent from seniors Dylan Golden (PV), Zoe Han (H/J), Sarah Forde (T), Kay Considine (S/T) and Sophia Cheesman (D) to juniors Hrysa Kostara (PV) and Mia Callahan (J) and sophs Makenna Wolmer (LS/MD) and Ava Chun (S).

Patriot

Indian Hills has a new head coach in Owen Ross and some good returning athletes in seniors Averie Bergen (S) and Alyssa Maybeck (D), juniors Alexa Koller (S/J), Maggie Ferrary (S), Summer Myrhen (D) and Camryn Finn (D) and soph Abigail Post (H/J/S).

Mahwah did not submit information.

Pascack Hills has an increased turnout and with senior returnees Maura Alden (H/J), Allie Tonuzi (S) and Lily Memija (T) and junior Meredith Colla (S) and standout freshmen Brianna Barrett (D) and Isabella Riotto (S) could be a factor in a tough league.

Ramsey is a very balanced team in a very strong league and should be in the middle of every meet it enters. Seniors Alexa Friedland (D), Ashleigh Gorman (multi), James Gorman (LS/MD), Tiya Shaha (PV) and Sophie Soll (T/J) are the veterans, juniors Kate Marie Monaco (LS/MD), Caeli O'Hara (S/H), Katie Rubin (D), Makayla Newman (S), Julia Costa (D) and Adrianna Graziano an experienced and versatile class and sophs Anna Steines (J), Emmy Bender (MD), Anna Lynch (D), Jules Pensari (S/J) and Catherine Larsen (S/H) future stars that are already producing.

River Dell has one of the strongest senior classes in the state with Christina Allen (D), Morgan Levine (S) and Grace McQueeney (J) leading the way. Seniors Sophia Minnich (J) and Isabella Gabay (D) will also be big point scorers as the Hawks look to repeat as sectional and league titlists. The Golden Hawks seem always to develop their underclassmen.

Westwood has several stars in senior Natalya Vega (T), junior Brooke Wichmann (H/J) and sophomore Clarissa Guerrero (T) and its season will be determined by the supporting cast and it's rapid development.

United

DePaul did not submit information.

Coach Howard Schuman celebrates a remarkable 58 years in coaching, the last dozen or so with Holy Angels. Seniors Rylie Smith (J) and Emma Spadora (D) are the veterans on a junior laden team led by two time 400 meter state champion Gina Certo. Fellow juniors Ella Buoncuore (S), Alexandria Darmanian (MD), Anna Daniello (D), Amanda Garcia (D), Jacqui Garcia (H), Valentina Gonzalez (H) and sophs Casey Ramos (multi) and Amaris Hiatt (S) make the Angels a dangerous team.

IHA is a perennial powerhouse and this season will be no exception. Seniors Abby Romero (J/S), Sophie Morales (PV), Sophia Ditchfield Agboh (S), Kate Shepler (H), Olivia Battifarno (H) and Maura Hesler (MD) are all potential scorers in any meet as are juniors Paige Burgess (LS/H), Elizabeth Burgess (LS/H), Evelyn Roman (J/T/PV), Piper Portacio (S), a transfer from the now closed Immaculate Conception, Sierra Tofts (H/J), Marcelle Seckin (MD) and Emily Wunsch (D). The Blue Eagles have some fine sophs in Molly Quinn (J), Zoe DePhillips (PV) and Lily Roman (T) too.

as usual, Paramus Catholic has some strong talent returning with seniors Sydney Dungey (H/S/J) and Khameryn Oliver (H/J), junior Jewel Smith (H/J) and sophs Gabby Snell (S/J) and Sadira Sanchez (S/J). Newcomers Brianna Burrell (freshman J/H) and Hackensack transfer sophomore Joli Joyner (S) add depth and make for strong relay teams.

NORTH JERSEY INTERSCHOLASTIC CONFERENCE

American

Bogota has a turnout of more than 30 girls, a record, and the Bucs have just one senior, outstanding distance runner Isabel Michel, who will run for FDU next year. Sophs Ana Michel (MD), Cristina Ter-Meliksetian (multi) and Emma Fowler (T/multi) are the other potential leading scorers.

Elmwood Park lost its best ever girl track athlete, Cali Terranova to graduation, but still could have its best team, with seniors Akera Reid (S/J), Tiara Duran (D), Diamond Harris-Drakeford (S/H), juniors Fonquasia Slade (S), Faith Ochieng (H/MD), Julia Oles (D) and Sofia Hernandez (D) and sophs Francesca Bizzarro (T), and Mia Fitkaowska (D) proving great depth.

Hasbrouck Heights reached the mountain top last year, winning its first outdoor group 1 state title and stretching its 28 year old dual winning streak to 236 straight wins, believed to be a national record. There's no reason to think the winning streak won't continue and a second state title is possible. A terrific senior class is highlighted by Lexy Samperi (H/S/J), Elliot Eddy (T), Morgan Gagliano (S/H/glue), Samantha Russo (T), Maya Bohan (LS/MD/H), Sibylla Diaz (S/J), Marissa Mucci (T), Samantha Robinson (LS), Marybeth Barrios (S), Ines Turner (PV) and Shantal Urgiles (D). The junior class includes distance standouts Lexi Powers, Mackenzie Bua, Mae Veliky, Silvia Andrade and Nina Castellano and Ellie Shkrei (H/J) and Jasmine Williams (S/J). The Aviators will keep flying.

Lodi has a new head coach in Dan Messmer and the Rams are rebuilding, led by junior sprinter/jumper Abigail Serbeh.

Mary Help did not submit information.

Palisades Park did not submit information.

Ridgefield did not submit information.

Wood-Ridge has a young team with no senior lettermen and some talented underclassmen, including juniors Gabriella Jones (T), Erin Kerr (S), Alexandra Bona (S) and Emarriyya Bradshaw (S/J) and soph Bella Drotos (D).

Colonial

Butler did not submit information.

Eastern Christian did not submit information.

Garfield has its usual large turnout but this year the Boilermakers have a new facility to train and run meets at. Senior Stav Saybe Mejia (J/S), juniors Katarzyna Kapolka (D), Aniya Walker (S/J) and Lenna Salas (T) and sophs Kimora Henry (J/S), Victoria Hidalgo (J/S), Julia Jablonska (D), Nadia Moses (T), Jacqueline Ortega (H/D) and Donna Williams (T) should take advantage.

Glen Rock is very young but don't count the Panthers from being in contention for a division title. Seniors Abbey Mazin (S) and Abbey Manley (D), junior Audrey Damis (D) and talented sophs Iza Samu (H/S) and Mia Corcoran (T) will make sure they are there.

Hawthorne did not submit information.

Hawthorne Christian did not submit information.

Manchester did not submit information.

Pompton Lakes did not submit information.

Saddle Brook did not submit information.

National

There's nothing like enthusiasm and success to make a rising program even better. Becton won its first indoor track sectional this past winter and has only one senior standout, Alexandra Majdanski (H/LS), with a great junior class led by Mika Tampadong (D), Analise Feliz (S/T/J), and Gracie Taylor (H/J/S) with sophomore pole vaulter Amelia Carrasco an added scorer. Coach Dave Dorsey's crew also has a great young turnout and tries to win the spring sectionals.

Lyndhurst did not submit information.

North Arlington has a new spring coach in Kevin Blackford, who has been the winter coach for two years. He welcomes senior Daliana Rojas, one of the most improved throwers in North Jersey. Senior sprinter Lia Cruz should also excel.

Rutherford is always a contender, no matter which division the Bulldogs are in and with senior Maya Forte (T), and juniors Gabby Sperling (S/J) and Poppie Bimson (MD) they can be contenders again.

Secaucus did not submit information.

St. Mary did not submit information.

Wallington did not submit information.

Weehawken did not submit information.

Patriot

Cresskill did not submit information.

Dwight Englewood is looking for its first ever league title, and this might be the year. Seniors Razil Fernandes (D), and Uma Rajan (D) and juniors Sydney Mallow (H/J/S) and Emma Hsu (S/J) will be joined by a terrific freshman group and first year senior Sofia Sherry.

Emerson won't give up its crown without a fight and with seniors Olyvia Burrell (S/J) and Keira McGuire (D), juniors Angelina Brunelle (J/S), Oliwia Kapuscinski (PV), and Madison Benefield (D) and soph Ally Paladino (S/J) and an eager and talented freshman class, the Cavos have a chance to repeat.

Leonia has a new head coach in James Case and a very good senior class headed by Kendall (S/H), Tavi Unnithan (S/H/J), Miracle Scott (S), Emani Murphy (S) and Sasha Raskin (D) and sophs Lyla Bacon (S/J) and Angelica Do (D).

Midland Park had a sensational season a year ago and return most of the top performers from that team in seniors Samantha Cebulski (J/S) and Kelly Ballen (T), junior Alexa Hermans (S/J) and sophs Riley Butler (T) and Julia Kalata (H).

New Milford has one of the area's top hurdlers in senior Fibianna Ajetunmobi (H) and hopes junior Sarah Dupreville (T) and soph Yoelis Mendez (PV) can lead the Green Knights to league contention.

Park Ridge has a small but potent team with seniors Nicole Freiler (H/LS) and Jada Rios (MD), juniors Sophie Walder (MD), Ava Stefano (J/S) and Lily Madden (T) and soph Lauren Amorese (S).

Saddle River Day did not submit information.

Waldwick is very young and has a very strong turnout with its top athletes, sophomores Brenna Heelan (D), Madison Baumgart (MD) and Hannah Reale (MD).

Others

Kinnelon should do well in the NJAC small schools division with seniors Grace Mougalian (MD), Ella Corigliano (J/S), Julia Baker (S), Jess Stubbs (T) and juniors Miranda Drace (MD), Hope Sirinides (MD), Tina Xu (MD) and Angie Winters (T).