Aaliyah Turpin, a senior from Smyrna, has been named the Delaware indoor track and field girls Athlete of the Year. She leads the All-State team after a stellar performance at the state meet, where she became the first Delaware girl in 16 years to win the 55-meter dash, 55 hurdles, and the 200 in a single meet. Turpin shattered the long-standing state record in the 55 hurdles, clocking in at 7.90 seconds, and ranked third all-time in Delaware's 200-meter performance list with a time of 24.23 seconds. Other notable performances came from Anna Bockius of Padua and Jayda Clarke of Middletown, who also made significant contributions to the All-State team. Padua took home their first girls team title since 2022 and earned the Team of the Year award.

By the Numbers
  • Aaliyah Turpin ran the 55 hurdles in 7.90 seconds at the state meet, breaking her own state record.
  • She achieved a time of 24.23 seconds in the 200, placing her third on the state all-time performance list.
Yes, But

Despite Turpin's outstanding achievements, some perspectives question the representation and opportunities for other athletes, urging for more focus on broader participation in girls' indoor track and field.

State of Play
  • The All-State team was honored at the 33rd annual N5CTA All-State banquet on March 18.
  • Padua's coach, Marnie Giunta, received the Coach of the Year award, highlighting significant team achievements.
What's Next

Turpin will continue to compete at national levels, with expectations for her to excel in upcoming events, potentially setting more records and gaining recognition in the wider athletic community.

Bottom Line

Aaliyah Turpin's remarkable accomplishments not only highlight her personal talents but also bring attention to the growing competitiveness and achievements of girls in track and field within Delaware.