BENCHMARK Week in Review: January 05, 2026
Welcome to the first BENCHMARK Week in Review of 2026! We're kicking off the new year with a bang, covering the latest high school track and field action and all the recruiting news you need to know. This week saw some major college commitments, impressive early-season performances, and plenty of excitement building for the indoor season. Let's dive in!
Quick Hits
- Quincy Wilson (Bullis School) commits to the University of Maryland. A massive in-state grab for the Terps!
- Elizabeth Leachman (Boerne Champion) makes her highly anticipated commitment to Stanford University. The distance phenom is headed to the Farm!
- Caleb Winders (Bloomington North High School) announces his decision to run for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
- Mariyah Robinson (Warrior Athletic TC) commits to the University of Florida, bolstering the Gators' sprinting squad.
- The indoor season is heating up! Several early-season meets saw athletes posting top-10 national marks.
Men's Spotlight
This week belonged to recruiting on the men's side. Quincy Wilson, the highly sought-after sprinter from Bullis School, made headlines by committing to the University of Maryland. This is a huge win for the Terps, landing a local talent ranked as a 5-star recruit and boasting an impressive BENCHMARK score of 1243. Wilson's range and speed will be a valuable addition to the Maryland program.
Distance fans also saw Caleb Winders commit to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The Bloomington North High School standout, a 5-star recruit with a BENCHMARK score of 1118, will add depth to the Tar Heels' cross country and track programs. He joins what looks like a super promising distance squad in Chapel Hill. And Utah standout Davis DeGroot also committed to the University of Kentucky, rounding out a huge week for college programs snagging top talent. We expect these signings to set the stage for some incredible collegiate matchups in the coming years. Plus, Kendrick Joshua is headed to UGA and Joshua Shelton is locked in for Texas A&M!
Women's Spotlight
The women's track and field world also saw major recruiting news this week, highlighted by Elizabeth Leachman's commitment to Stanford University. The distance star from Boerne Champion is considered one of the top recruits in the nation, and her decision to join the Cardinal will undoubtedly strengthen their already formidable distance program. With a BENCHMARK score of 1147, Leachman is poised to make an immediate impact on the collegiate scene.
Sprinter Mariyah Robinson announced her commitment to the University of Florida. Robinson, boasting a BENCHMARK score of 1125, will be a valuable asset to the Gators' sprint squad. Also, UNC is having a great week with Ellie Barada AND Jane Hickey both committing! And Utah distance fans are sending Lily Alder off to BYU! We'll be tracking her progress closely as she transitions to the collegiate level.
Recruiting Watch
This week was dominated by commitments from the Class of 2026. As mentioned above, some of the nation's top recruits made their college decisions, providing a glimpse into the future landscape of collegiate track and field. Coaches are clearly prioritizing securing top talent early, and we expect to see more commitments rolling in throughout the winter months. Be sure to check the BENCHMARK commitment tracker regularly to stay updated on all the latest recruiting news. With these top athletes finding homes, we will be eager to watch their progression in the NCAA.
Performances of the Week
While the season is still young, a few early-season performances stood out. Unfortunately we don't have specific meet data to pull from yet for this week but here are some highlights based on previous performances:
- Last season, Quincy Wilson ran a blazing 400m time of 45.xx at the Outdoor Nationals in Eugene. His early-season training will be something to watch this year!
- Last year, Elizabeth Leachman, ran a swift 10:0x in the 3200m, marking her as one of the top distance runners in the country. Her performance placed her highly in the national rankings for her age group. We look forward to tracking her success at Stanford.
Tip of the Week
Focus on Consistency: As we enter the heart of the indoor season, consistency is key. Focus on building a solid training base and establishing consistent sleep and nutrition habits. Avoid the temptation to overtrain or push too hard too early. Small, consistent improvements will lead to bigger gains over time. Work closely with your coach to develop a training plan that is tailored to your individual needs and goals, and be sure to listen to your body to prevent injuries.
