As the spring season of New Jersey high school sports wraps up, the track at Pennsauken High School bore witness to a defining moment for one of the state’s rising stars in distance running. Allison Lee, a junior at West Windsor-Plainsboro North, proved she belongs among New Jersey’s elite with a stunning second-place finish in the 3200-meter run at the NJSIAA Meet of Champions—a feat that not only earned her a silver medal, but also cemented her status as one of the toughest competitors in the state.
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From Missing the Cut to Medaling on the Big Stage
Last year, Lee missed out on the Meet of Champions, which left her with something to prove heading into this season. And prove it she did.
On a scorching Wednesday afternoon with temperatures testing every athlete’s stamina, Lee delivered a gutsy performance that showed not just her physical ability, but her mental toughness. Clocking in at 10:31.91, she finished just a few seconds behind Ocean Township’s standout freshman Leah Starkey, who crossed the line at 10:28.18.
“I’m really happy with the choices I made in this race,” Lee said post-race. “There were a lot of points where I had to mentally dig in. I’m just glad I stayed in it and kicked hard on that last lap.”
Her strategy? Patience, poise, and positioning. Lee trailed closely behind Starkey for much of the race, hanging on through every lap until Starkey pulled away over the final 1600 meters. Even though she couldn’t close the gap, Lee’s silver-medal run marked a huge personal and athletic victory.
A Champion’s Mentality
Lee didn’t just run a fast time—she ran with intention. The CVC champion in both the 1600 and 3200-meter races this season, she’s become known not only for her speed, but for her drive. And even in the face of stiff competition, she took the high road, showing tremendous respect for Starkey:
“I respect her so much,” said Lee. “She took the race out hard and wasn’t afraid to lead. That pushed me, and this race wouldn’t have been what it was without her.”
Lee’s coach, Brian Gould, echoed that sentiment. “She’s worked so hard for so long. This is a great finish to a great season and a great school year. I just hope she takes a moment to enjoy what she’s accomplished before setting her sights on next year.”
And that’s exactly what she’s planning to do—before getting back to work, of course.
“It’s great to have races like this under your belt. They give you momentum,” Lee said. “I’m excited to take this experience and head into cross country with ambitious goals.”
Track and Field Highlights: More Garden State Glory
Lee’s performance was just one part of a thrilling day at the NJSIAA Meet of Champions, which saw:
- Record-breaking performances in the 1600 meters, where a phenom shattered a state record.
- Big wins from top-tier athletes like Keating and Shue, who dominated in their respective events.
- Heartfelt stories of perseverance and comebacks across the track and field program.
From the sprints to the pole vault, New Jersey athletes continue to prove they are among the most talented and resilient in the country.
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Spring Sports Wrap-Up: A Season to Remember
While track may have taken center stage at Pennsauken, the entire spring sports calendar in New Jersey delivered drama, milestones, and unforgettable moments:
⚾ Baseball
The sectional championships featured thrilling matchups with powerhouses like Westfield and Bridgewater-Raritan advancing deep into the tournament.
🥎 Softball
Stars shined on the diamond with teams like Indian Hills, South Brunswick, and Woodbridge chasing championship dreams. Meanwhile, Gabby Shadek of IHA broke the all-time state home run record, setting a new standard for excellence.
⛳ Golf
North Jersey’s best were honored as the All-Bergen and All-Passaic County teams were announced, along with final statewide rankings.
🥍 Lacrosse
Sectional quarterfinals wrapped up with explosive performances from top players and teams, setting the stage for fierce semifinal matchups.
🎓 Honors and Awards
New Jersey also celebrated academic excellence with the NJSIAA Scholar Athlete Awards, while Rutherford High School earned Level 1 status on the NFHS School Honor Roll, showcasing the balance between athletics and academics.
A Winning State: New Jersey’s Education System Sets the Bar
Beyond sports, it’s been a banner year for New Jersey as a whole. The state was recently named the top-ranked in the nation for education by U.S. News & World Report. This recognition is built on:
- Leading the nation in preschool enrollment
- Exceptional SAT and ACT performance
- Strong support for teachers and investment in learning
- A commitment to challenging students academically at every level
With a culture that supports both athletic achievement and academic excellence, it’s no wonder New Jersey continues to lead the way.
Looking Ahead: The Future is Bright for Allison Lee and NJ Athletics
With one year left in her high school career, Allison Lee is just getting started. Her silver-medal performance at the Meet of Champions isn’t just a result—it’s a launchpad.
As summer training begins and cross-country season approaches, Lee is focused, motivated, and ready to chase even bigger goals. And with the Garden State’s deep pool of talent in every sport, the coming seasons promise even more stories that will inspire and amaze.
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At Explore New Jersey, we celebrate the athletes, students, and communities that make the Garden State great. Stay tuned as we continue to highlight the best of local sports, education, and youth achievement.
