Connecticut's Top Sprinters to Watch this Outdoors
There is proven returning talent at the top of Connecticut sprints on both the boys and girls sides, but what really stands out is the amount of depth behind the headliners. Between returning outdoor marks and strong indoor campaigns, there are plenty of athletes entering the spring with legitimate state title potential. From the 100 through the 400, and over the hurdles, this group has a chance to produce some of the most competitive races of the season.
Boys Title Contenders
Machai Henry (Danbury) returns as the top 100 runner in the state after running 10.64 last outdoor season. Shelldon Simpson II (Windsor) looks like one of the biggest threats this outdoors after an excellent indoor season that included state-leading marks in both the 55 and 300.
The 200 and 400 should also be loaded with top-end talent. Brenan McCabe (Immaculate) returns as the top 400 runner in the state after his 47.40 last spring and should once again be a factor come championship season. Charles Dalles (Coginchaug) is another name who could factor into several sprint events after clocking strong 2025 outdoor marks in both the 200 and 400, while Liam Kennon (Greenwich Country Day) and Kieran Boyle (Ridgefield) should also remain right in the mix headed into outdoors.
The hurdle events also bring back one of the most accomplished athletes in the state in Davian Johnson (East Hartford). Johnson returns as the top athlete in both hurdle races after running 13.75 in the 110 hurdles and 36.90 in the 300 hurdles, and his indoor season only reinforced his position as one of the top championship threats in the state.
Girls Title Contenders
Lauren Kropo (Naugatuck) is one of the biggest names to watch this spring after returning near the top of the state in the 100, 200, and 400. Few athletes can tout that kind of versatility, and she looks like someone who could impact multiple championship races. Samiya Eady (Manchester) is another clear title contender after returning as the top 200 runner in the state and backing that up with a standout indoor season in the sprint distances.
Paige Wilson (Windsor) returns as the state leader in the 400 after her 55.02 last spring. She should once again be one of the top names in Connecticut, especially after another strong indoor campaign. Saphyr Brown (Bloomfield) and Kyra Mclean (Stratford) also enter the spring with major upside after showing both outdoor success and indoor momentum.
In the hurdles, D'Asia Duncan (Bloomfield) looks like one of the most important returning athletes in the state regardless of event. Duncan swept the top returning marks in both hurdle races last spring and remains the clear leader entering outdoor. Vanessa Agyemang (Bloomfield) and Phoebe Cora Smith (Joel Barlow) join her as major contenders, giving the event both star power and depth.
Breakout Candidates
On the boys side, Ian Mitchell (Montville) stands out immediately after running 21.24 in the 200 as a younger athlete last spring. If he continues progressing, he could quickly become one of the most dangerous names in the state. Rodney Crockett (Middletown) also made a big statement indoors after running 6.39 in the 55, while Adrian Vasquez (Bethel) put together a strong winter that could carry into the outdoor sprint races.
For the girls, Kyra Mclean (Stratford) Mclean has already made a splash after her strong freshman campaign and a podium finish this past indoor season. Ella Barber (Greenwich) and Amaira Traynham (Wilbur Cross) also had impressive indoor seasons that could translate into much bigger outdoor roles this spring.
Deepest Teams To Watch
On the boys side, Windsor stands out thanks to the presence of Simpson and a group that should once again be dangerous in relays as well as the sprint events. Danbury also has strong sprint-hurdle firepower with Henry and Rysaiah Saunders, while East Hartford brings back one of the best hurdle groups in the state.
For the girls, Bloomfield may have one of the most dangerous sprint and hurdle groups in Connecticut. With names like Duncan, Agyemang, Brown, and Jahniya Barclay, they have the kind of depth that can rack up points in championship settings. Windsor, Naugatuck, and Manchester also look well-positioned to be major players this spring.
Underclassmen To Watch
For the boys, Ian Mitchell (Montville), Rodney Crockett (Middletown), and Hanief Jones (Hartford) all look poised to make good on their long-term upside. Each already showed enough last outdoor season or this winter to suggest they are on the rise.
On the girls side Mclean, Ella Barber (Greenwich), and Phoebe Cora Smith (Joel Barlow High School) all look like athletes who could continue climbing quickly this spring. Deanna Spears (Bloomfield) and Kaylin Diglio (Guilford) also return with the kind of marks that suggest there is more to come.
The sprint events are rarely short on excitement, and Connecticut should have no issue delivering that again this spring.