Carrollton High girls track and field still has plenty of talent on team

True, the Carrollton girls track and field team bid farewell to quite a few seniors following the 2025 season. On the plus side, however, the Lady Warriors will field a roster that mixes a key core of experienced upperclassmen with a large group of returning underclassmen who, with a year of collective experience under their belts, are poised to make a valuable contribution to the program.

Carrollton will need to replace several key graduates, including Joy Bartlow, Zoe Kuhn-Goodspeed, Bella Keyser, Bailey Keyser, and Marleigh Osolin, but returns a deep and versatile lineup across multiple disciplines.

Entering his 15th season in charge of jumping events for both the boys’ and girls’ teams, coach Corwin Koppelman appreciates that his younger athletes will have battle-tested seniors to set examples and lead the way.

“Our girls will be led by elite performers in the sprints, jumps, distance, relays, and throws,” he said.

The senior class also provides leadership and experience, led by Mackenzie Fry in the sprints, Norah Kerr-Jung in distance events, Isabella Nuzzolillo in sprints and mid-distance, Kaylee Russell in the throwing events, and Emma Shafer in sprints and relays.

A strong junior class adds depth, with athletes like Alaina Moore contributing in both throws and mid-distance, while Kali Stitler and Berlyn Zimmerman bolster the field events. Distance events — always a hallmark of Carrollton’s track program — will again be a strength with Ella Barkan, Emma Eddy, Gabi McCort, and Olivia McCort all returning.

The Lady Warriors also feature a promising sophomore group, including Khalei Drake and Evelynn Beck in the sprints, Sophia Wilson in throws, and several distance runners such as Makenzie Goodspeed, Emma Myers, and Briella Salisbury.

While the team has lost key contributors, the combination of returning talent and depth gives Carrollton reason for optimism heading into the season. That and the addition of a large freshman class add even more excitement, with several newcomers expected to compete for roles early in the season.

With a balanced roster and experienced leadership, the Lady Warriors aim to continue building throughout the season and position themselves for success when it matters most – during the postseason. As Koppelman sees it, the Lady Warriors possess “the potential and vision to win multiple individual and relay titles during the championship season.”