Girls' Most Improved Athlete - Chandler Welsh (R.J. Reynolds) - Class of 2024
2020-21 Personal Bests:
5,000m - 19:11.40, only broke 20:00 twice, 16th at NCHSAA 4A Midwest Regional.
3,200m - 11:49.01, 5th at CPC Conference Championships.
1,600m - 5:31.00.
2022-2023 Personal Bests
5,000m - 18:29.72, 7th NCHSAA 4A Midwest, 13th NCHSAA State Championship
3,200m - 10:46.43, Runner-up NCRunners Elite Tune Up.
1,600m - 5:05.47 (Ran 5:07.44 for full mile, as well).
This was a tough choice. Bell and Kermes were without a doubt more than qualified for this award, but the edge goes to the R.J Reynolds sophomore Chandler Welsh, who dropped over a minute on her 3,200m time, and nearly 30 seconds in the 1,600m. She went from only breaking 20:00 in the XC 5,000m twice in 2020, to running 19:20 or faster at every invitational in 2021. She finished NC No. 5 in the 3,200m.
Other Nominees: Charlotte Bell (Cuthbertson), Stella Kermes (Cuthbertson)