NOR/MAN - Week in Review - December 29, 2025

Welcome back to the NOR/MAN Weekly Review, your one-stop shop for all the latest news and highlights from the high school track and field world! As we head into the final days of 2025, the indoor season is starting to heat up, and recruiting news is pouring in. Let's dive into the biggest stories from the past week.

Quick Hits

• Quincy Wilson, the highly touted middle-distance star from Bullis School, has committed to the University of Maryland!
• On the women's side, distance phenom Elizabeth Leachman of Boerne Champion is heading to Stanford University, adding more firepower to the Cardinal's already impressive roster.
• More recruiting news out of North Carolina: Caleb Winders (Bloomington North) and Ellie Barada (Bloomington South) will both be taking their talents to Chapel Hill!
• The early indoor season is beginning to showcase some incredible talent, setting the stage for a thrilling winter of track and field. Look out for updated state and national rankings in the coming weeks.
• Early reports indicate a rise in transfer portal activity amongst collegiate athletes, which may trickle down and affect some late high school recruiting decisions.
• Coaching clinics and virtual training resources are becoming increasingly popular during the holiday break, providing opportunities for athletes and coaches to sharpen their skills.

Men's Spotlight

The men's recruiting scene saw a flurry of activity this week, headlined by the commitment of Quincy Wilson to the University of Maryland. Wilson, a five-star recruit with a NOR/MAN rating of 1243, is expected to make an immediate impact for the Terrapins in the middle distances. His range and competitive fire are sure to ignite the Big Ten conference.

Elsewhere, Caleb Winders chose to stay in the ACC, committing to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Winders, another five-star prospect, brings a powerful combination of speed and endurance to the Tar Heels. Distance standout Davis DeGroot (Unattached - UT) made his decision to head to the SEC and the University of Kentucky. Rounding out the top men's signings this week: Kendrick Joshua (Coastal Georgia Track Team) is staying in-state with the University of Georgia, while Joshua Shelton (BeastMode Track Club) is heading to Texas A&M University.

With many athletes still undecided, the recruiting landscape remains dynamic. We expect to see even more commitments announced in the coming weeks as the indoor season progresses and athletes finalize their college plans.

Women's Spotlight

The women's side also saw several major recruiting decisions this week. Elizabeth Leachman's commitment to Stanford University is a massive win for the Cardinal. Leachman, a five-star recruit with a NOR/MAN rating of 1147, is one of the most sought-after distance runners in the country, and is poised to immediately contribute to a program that expects to compete for national titles.

Mariyah Robinson is heading to the University of Florida. Ellie Barada is following Winders to UNC Chapel Hill, marking a huge distance recruiting week for the Tar Heels. Distance runner Jane Hickey (Ursuline School) is also heading to UNC-Chapel Hill, while Lily Alder (Timpview) is staying closer to home with Brigham Young University. These decisions have already shifted the landscape of collegiate track and field, with several programs solidifying their status as national contenders.

The competition for top female athletes is fierce, and we anticipate more surprises as the recruiting season unfolds. Keep an eye on the rising stars as they continue to make their mark on the track and in the classroom.

Recruiting Watch

This week has been dominated by commitment announcements. With the early signing period wrapping up, athletes are eager to secure their spots on collegiate rosters. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill made huge strides in both the men's and women's fields. Look for more mid-year transfers to become public, as some athletes seek to find a better fit for their athletic and academic aspirations.

Remember to visit NOR/MAN regularly for updated rankings, athlete profiles, and expert analysis to stay informed about the latest recruiting developments. Our team is working hard to provide the most comprehensive coverage of high school track and field recruiting.

Performances of the Week

While official indoor meets have been light this week due to the holidays, some athletes have been putting in the work unattached or in smaller training meets. Here are a couple of standout performances that caught our eye:

• Sprinter X (Name withheld): A blistering 60m dash time recorded during an unattached time trial. While the official time is unavailable, sources close to the athlete indicate it would rank him among the top 5 nationally this year. We're excited to see what he can do in a sanctioned meet!
• Distance Runner Y (Name withheld): A solo 3200m effort clocked in at a stunning time. This athlete is certainly one to watch in the upcoming indoor season!

Tip of the Week

Focus on consistency over intensity. It's tempting to push yourself to the limit every workout, especially during the holiday break. However, prioritizing consistent training with controlled intensity is far more effective in the long run. Consistency builds a solid foundation, prevents injuries, and allows for gradual improvement. As you prepare for the upcoming indoor season, remember to listen to your body and focus on consistent, sustainable training habits.

That's all for this week's NOR/MAN Review. Stay tuned for more updates as we move into the new year!