* Claremont (Calif.) freshman Grace Smith went sub-2:10 at the Arcadia Invitational
Photo Credit: Raymond Tran/MileSplit California
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Whether they were shining at the Arcadia Invitational or one of the many UIL Area meets, underclassmen took the next step, elevating themselves to contenders ahead of the upcoming postseason.
Check out the third batch of 'Future Stars' of the 2025 outdoor season.
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BOYS POTW | GIRLS POTW | BOYS MOST IMPROVED | GIRLS MOST IMPROVED
BENJAMIN ADAMS
Mountain Vista (Colo.)
Class of 2027
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In his first trip to the Arcadia Invitational, the sophomore took advantage of the sought-after opportunity, finishing seventh overall with a huge PB of 8:46.55. Adams' performance moved him all the way up to No. 6 in Colorado history, becoming the 29th high school to break 9:00 in state history. He also smashed the previous sophomore state record of 8:55.28, and is the second-fastest sophomore in high school history. 
GRACE SMITH
Claremont (Calif.)
Class of 2028
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For the first time in her brief career, Smith went sub-2:10 for the first time in her high school career, and did so against a talented field. In the seeded heat at the Arcadia Invitational, Smith took down a field of mostly upperclassmen, running away with the win in 2:08.55, a second ahead of the runner-up. With just three races under her belt, Smith currently sits No. 3 overall in the state, and is already No. 5 all-time amongst California freshman.
KWANNA SMITH
Since the middle of March, Smith already has 15 races to his name, shining in the 100m, 200m, and 400m. With PBs of 11.07 (100) and 21.87 (200) already to his name, Smith opted for the 400m this last weekend, finishing runner-up in the open heats. Smith broke 48 seconds for the first time, running 47.41 to become the fastest freshman in the country this season. Smith has already taken the No. 3 slot in California's all-time freshman lists, and is one-third of a second shy of breaking the state class record.
MCKENZI ROBERSON
Shadow Creek (Texas)
Class of 2027
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While a lot of athletes shined at big-time meets in California and Florida, Roberson had to stay home and survive and advance at the UIL 6A - Area 21 & 22 meet in Missouri City, Texas. After cruising to a pair of wins in the 100m and 200m at her district meet, Roberson notched PBs in both events this time around,. In the 100m, Roberson finished runner-up in 11.37 and won the 200m in 23.14, both national leads amongst sophomores. In a state that has produced tremendous athletes over the years, Roberson sits No. 6 and No. 2 in sophomore state history.