Iowa-Bound Track Star Nominated for Indiana Athlete of the Year
University of Iowa recruit Chloe Senefeld is a top contender for the 2026 IndyStar girls track and field Athlete of the Year after a stellar championship season in Indiana. Fans have until noon on Friday, June 26, to vote for the standout senior among a competitive field of state champions and record setters.
How did Iowa recruit Chloe Senefeld perform this season?
Senefeld, a senior at Hamilton Southeastern High School, put together an impressive resume this spring. She served as the anchor leg for the state championship 4x400-meter relay team, securing a gold medal for her squad. Individually, she raced to a second-place finish in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 42.19. Her strong performance and dedication have earned her a spot on the University of Iowa roster, giving Hawkeye fans a true competitor to watch next season.
Who are the other nominees for Athlete of the Year?
The 2026 IHSAA girls track and field season featured incredible talent across Indiana. The full list of nominees includes state champions, national contenders, and future collegiate stars:
- Ellie Barada, Bloomington South: A two-time national champion and North Carolina recruit who won her second consecutive state title in the 800-meter run with a time of 2:05.33. She improved on her junior season time of 2:07.30 and also ran for the second-place 4x800-meter relay team.
- Kenedi Bradley, Chesterton: The senior and Butler recruit claimed the state title in the 100-meter dash with a time of 11.94. She also placed sixth in the 200-meter dash.
- Sadie Foley, Carmel: An Indiana recruit who helped Carmel repeat as the team state champion. She ran the second leg for the first-place 4x800-meter relay team and placed second in the 1600-meter run with a time of 4:49.51.
- Jordyn Fort, Merrillville: Won a state title in the 100-meter hurdles as a sophomore, finishing with a time of 13.86.
- Maddison Judge, Franklin: Clinched the discus state title with a throw of 152 feet, 8 inches, winning gold as a sophomore.
- Anissa Lammie, Hamilton Southeastern: Secured two state titles as a junior. She ran the second leg for the state-winning 4x400-meter relay team and took individual gold in the 400-meter dash with a time of 54.32.
- De'Janay Layne, Evansville North: The Indiana State recruit placed first at state in the 200-meter dash (24.30) and second in the 100-meter dash (12.12) during her senior year.
- Kaitlyn Oshimura, Carmel: Ran the third leg for the state-winning 4x800-meter relay team. The Ohio University recruit placed third in the 800-meter run with a time of 2:10.69.
- Norah Reiger, Hamilton Heights: Placed second in the 400-meter dash at state with a time of 55.25 and ran the opening leg for the seventh-place 4x400-meter relay team.
- Amelia Smith, Guerin Catholic: A year after not clearing the opening bar at state, Smith won the pole vault state title as a junior with a jump of 13 feet.
- Isabella Sotelo, Eastern Hancock: Clinched the state crown in the 300-meter hurdles (41.49), just shy of the state meet record of 41.36. She also placed second in the 100-meter hurdles (13.86) as a junior.
- Kira Smith, Warren Central: Took home the high jump state title with a leap of 5-10 as a junior. She also placed sixth at state in the 300-meter hurdles.
- Larkin Taylor, Carmel: A catalyst in Carmel's second consecutive team state title. She ran the anchor leg for the state-winning 4x800 team, placed third in the 1600 (4:51.47), and sixth in the 800 (2:11.22) as a junior.
- Mallory Weller, Concordia: Repeated as a double state champion during her senior year. The NC State recruit won the 1600 (4:46.34) and 3200 (10:18.66), improving on her times from her junior season.
How can you vote for the Athlete of the Year?
Readers can make their selection in the official poll hosted by the IndyStar. Voting remains open until noon on Friday, June 26. This is a chance for Iowa fans to show their support for a future Hawkeye and recognize the hard work of these exceptional student-athletes.
What event did Chloe Senefeld win at the state meet?
Chloe Senefeld ran the anchor leg for the Hamilton Southeastern 4x400-meter relay team, which won the Indiana state championship. She also placed second in the 300-meter hurdles.
When does the IndyStar Athlete of the Year voting close?
Voting for the IndyStar girls track and field Athlete of the Year closes at noon on Friday, June 26.
Which school won the 2026 Indiana girls track team state title?
Carmel High School won the 2026 IHSAA girls track and field team state championship, marking their second consecutive team title.