NOR/MAN Week in Review: December 29, 2025
Welcome back to the NOR/MAN weekly digest, your one-stop shop for all things high school track and field recruiting! As we head towards the new year, the indoor season is heating up and athletes are making big moves, both on and off the track. Let's dive into the highlights from the week ending December 29, 2025.
Quick Hits
- Quincy Wilson, the Bullis School standout, has officially committed to the University of Maryland!
- Elizabeth Leachman of Boerne Champion, a distance phenom, will be taking her talents to Stanford University. Elizabeth Leachman is the latest huge name to commit.
- Caleb Winders from Bloomington North High School is heading to Chapel Hill, committing to the University of North Carolina. Caleb Winders is one of the top distance recruits in the nation.
- Mariyah Robinson of Warrior Athletic TC has committed to the University of Florida! Mariyah Robinson is a huge addition to the Gators.
- Davis DeGroot (Unattached - UT) has made his commitment to the University of Kentucky. Davis DeGroot looks to take his talent to Lexington.
- Ellie Barada (Bloomington South High School, Class of 2026) also joins Caleb Winders at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, making for a banner week for the Tarheels. Ellie Barada brings a ton of talent to UNC.
Men's Spotlight
This week saw some major recruiting news on the men's side, with several top-tier athletes announcing their college destinations. Leading the charge is Quincy Wilson, the highly touted sprinter from Bullis School. Wilson, rated a 5-star recruit with a NOR/MAN score of 1243, is staying in-state and heading to the University of Maryland. This is a massive get for the Terps, as Wilson brings a combination of speed and potential that is rarely seen. He's expected to make an immediate impact in the Big Ten.
Further north, Caleb Winders, a distance standout from Bloomington North High School, chose the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Rated a 5-star recruit with a NOR/MAN score of 1118, Winders is a versatile runner with impressive times in both the 1600m and 3200m. The Tar Heels are building a strong distance program, and Winders is a key piece of that puzzle. Other notable signings include Davis DeGroot to the University of Kentucky, Kendrick Joshua to the University of Georgia, and Joshua Shelton to Texas A&M University. All of these athletes bring a high level of talent to their respective programs and will be exciting to watch as they develop at the collegiate level.
Women's Spotlight
The women's side was just as exciting this week, with top athletes making their college decisions. Elizabeth Leachman, the cross country and distance track sensation from Boerne Champion, announced her commitment to Stanford University. Leachman, a 5-star recruit with a NOR/MAN score of 1147, is one of the most sought-after distance runners in the country. Her talent and dedication will be a great addition to the Cardinal program. She is coming off a spectacular cross country season and should look to continue to dominate on the track for the Cardinal!
The University of Florida snagged a big commit this week in Mariyah Robinson of Warrior Athletic TC. Robinson, a 5-star recruit, is known for her prowess in the sprints, and her speed will be a major asset for the Gators. Meanwhile, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill added another top recruit to their roster, with Ellie Barada committing to the Tar Heels. Jane Hickey of Ursuline School will also be joining the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Lily Alder committed to Brigham Young University, further solidifying the Cougars' strong distance program.
Recruiting Watch
The recruiting landscape is constantly evolving, and this week was no exception. With the early signing period well underway, athletes are making their final decisions and solidifying their college futures. Expect to see even more commitments rolling in as we approach the new year. Keep an eye on the NOR/MAN commitment tracker for the latest updates. In addition to commitments, transfer news is also starting to pick up. Several high-profile athletes have entered the transfer portal, creating opportunities for programs to bolster their rosters.
Performances of the Week
Elizabeth Leachman's Commitment to Stanford: While not a performance on the track, Elizabeth Leachman's commitment to Stanford is a performance in itself. She is a huge get for the Cardinal and instantly makes them a top contender in the distance events. She ranks #1 in the nation for her class in the 3200m.
Quincy Wilson's Commitment to Maryland: This is a program-defining moment for Maryland. Securing a talent like Quincy Wilson puts them on the map in the sprinting world. He boasts personal bests that rank him among the top sprinters nationally in his class.
Tip of the Week
Focus on Consistency: As we gear up for the heart of the indoor season, consistency is key. Whether it's your training schedule, sleep habits, or nutrition, maintaining a consistent routine will help you perform your best when it matters most. Work with your coach to develop a plan that works for you and stick to it. Remember, small improvements over time lead to big results.