After missing the podium in 2024 and then earning a third-place finish in 2025, the San Diego Mesa women’s track and field team heads into this year’s state championships determined to climb even higher and contend for a team title.
Last season, the Olympians finished third overall with 74 points, just behind Riverside City College’s 75 points, while Modesto College captured the championship with 91.5 points. Head coach Sean Ricketts said last year’s group was one of the most balanced teams the program has had, and this season’s squad believes it has the depth and experience to improve on two third-place finishes over the past three years.
Following the team’s final meeting earlier this morning, Ricketts said the focus heading into the championships is straightforward: stay connected, trust one another, and compete. With the state meet taking place over multiple days, the Olympians will travel north in separate groups. Some of the athletes competing tomorrow are already on the road or have already arrived, while another group will leave tomorrow ahead of Saturday’s events.
California community college track and field remains one of the most competitive levels in the country, and Mesa’s coaching staff is hopeful both the men’s and women’s teams can return home with podium finishes while building on last year’s success.
Mesa enters the state championships with momentum after a strong performance at last week’s 3C2A Southern California Championships, where several Olympians either won their events or secured podium finishes.
Jazzlyn Islas delivered a strong performance in the middle-distance events, placing third in the 1,500 meters with a time of 4:44.32 before earning another third-place finish in the 800 meters in 2:16.18.
Emily Pesch will compete in the heptathlon as she continues an impressive season of her own. At the SoCal Championships, she placed second overall with 4,137 points.
Natalie Allen is another Olympian entering the state meet with momentum after finishing second in the 10,000 meters at the SoCal Championships with a time of 39:38.82.
The team heads into the state championships believing they can contend with the top programs in the state. Mesa knows that if they perform across the board, the team has a legitimate opportunity to make noise and finish among the state’s best when the meet comes to a close.
STATE QUALIFIERS
Natalie Allen 5K (18:05 5K #6 All Time)
Abrielle Hagans Long Jump, 4x100
Emily Pesch High Jump, 100mH, Heptathlon
Chanel Wells Pole Vault
Jada Potenciano Pole Vault
Jazlyn Islas 1500m, 800m, 4x400m
Helena Baez 4x100, 4x400
Kassie Lofgran 100m, 4x100
Kayden Coker 4x400m
Bianca Calafato 800m, 4x400m (2:15.94 800m #7 All Time)
Mallory Wotursky 4x100
Jazmyne Binion 4x100
Airi Anderson 4x400