NOR/MAN Week in Review: December 29, 2025
Welcome back to the NOR/MAN weekly digest, your one-stop shop for all the high school track and field news you need to stay ahead of the recruiting game. This week, we're recapping the biggest performances and signings from across the nation as athletes prepare for the indoor season and beyond. As of December 29, 2025, the recruiting landscape is heating up, and we've got all the details you need to know.
Quick Hits
- Quincy Wilson, the five-star talent from Bullis School, commits to the University of Maryland.
- On the women's side, distance standout Elizabeth Leachman announces her decision to join the Stanford Cardinal.
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill lands two impressive female recruits: Ellie Barada and Jane Hickey.
- Texas A&M secures a commitment from Joshua Shelton, bolstering their sprint squad.
- BYU adds Lily Alder to their distance program.
Men's Spotlight
The men's recruiting scene saw some major activity this week, headlined by the commitment of Quincy Wilson (Bullis School) to the University of Maryland. Wilson, a five-star recruit with an impressive NOR/MAN score of 1243, is expected to make an immediate impact for the Terrapins. Maryland is getting a truly special talent in Wilson and this pick up might even impact future commits for the team.
Other significant signings include Caleb Winders (Bloomington North High School) heading to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Davis DeGroot (Unattached - UT) committing to the University of Kentucky, and Kendrick Joshua (Coastal Georgia Track Team) choosing the University of Georgia. Joshua Shelton (BeastMode Track Club) will be taking his talents to Texas A&M. These five-star recruits are poised to make waves at the collegiate level.
Women's Spotlight
The women's side was equally exciting, with several highly-rated athletes making their college choices known. Elizabeth Leachman (Boerne Champion), a five-star distance phenom, has committed to Stanford University. Her impressive NOR/MAN score of 1147 solidifies her as one of the top distance recruits in the nation. Stanford’s distance program just got even stronger, and Coach Miltenberg should be thrilled with this addition.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill had a stellar week, securing commitments from both Ellie Barada (Bloomington South High School) and Jane Hickey (Ursuline School). Florida also added Mariyah Robinson from Warrior Athletic TC to their sprint core. Meanwhile, Lily Alder (Timpview) decided to stay in state and is headed to Brigham Young University. These additions will undoubtedly strengthen their respective programs as they head into the new year.
Recruiting Watch
The recruiting season is in full swing, and programs are battling for the top talent. Keep an eye on athletes competing in early indoor meets – strong performances can significantly impact their recruiting profiles. Coaches will be closely monitoring these competitions to finalize their recruiting boards for the 2026 class. There are unconfirmed reports that Elizabeth Leachman and Quincy Wilson were both offered NIL deals that went into the six-figure range for each.
Performances of the Week
This week, we're highlighting a couple of standout performances that deserve recognition.
- Elizabeth Leachman (Boerne Champion): While there were no major meets this week, Leachman's commitment to Stanford underscores her dominant cross-country season. Her consistent performances throughout the fall cement her as one of the top distance runners in the country, making her a valuable asset for the Cardinal. Her cross country season proves that she is still improving and looking for ways to get better everyday!
- Quincy Wilson (Bullis School): Wilson's commitment to Maryland generated significant buzz in the track and field community. He will be close to home, representing the DMV, and be one of the most high profile talents on the team as soon as he steps on campus. This is definitely a game changer for the Maryland track and field program.
Tip of the Week
For Athletes: Don't underestimate the power of communication. Regularly update your NOR/MAN profile with your latest results, training updates, and academic achievements. Actively reach out to coaches at programs that interest you. Showing initiative can make a big difference in the recruiting process. Making sure that coaches see all aspects of your student-athlete experience is paramount to getting on their recruiting boards.
