Good morning Southland Family,

Southland College Prep is bursting with pride as we celebrate the incredible achievements of our girls track team at the IHSA Class 2A State Finals on Saturday! Our athletes didn’t just show up — they showed out, putting Southland on the map with grit, heart, and history-making performances!

And for the first time ever, Southland College Prep finished 3rd overall in the team standings, officially earning the title of Top 3 in the State!


🔴💙 From sprints to jumps to relays — our girls proved they belong among Illinois’ elite.

Here’s the breakdown of their outstanding results:

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🥇💪🏾 KENDALL GRAY IS A STATE CHAMPION!!!!!!!
In a breathtaking performance, Kendall Gray claimed 1st place in the 300m Hurdles, making her an IHSA Class 2A State Champion!
🏆🏃🏽‍♀️💥 Her determination, speed, and focus led her to the top of the podium — and the entire Southland family is beaming with pride as she became Southland’s first-ever state champion in athletics!!!
🔴💙 Let’s hear it for our Queen of the Hurdles!

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💨 DOUBLE PODIUM IN THE 100M HURDLES!
• Kendall Gray: 2nd Place
• Kayleigh Shabazz: 6th Place
These two left it all on the track and brought home major hardware!
🔴💙 Southland = Hurdle U!

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🚨 4x100M RELAY — TOP 6 IN THE STATE!
Our powerhouse team of Kendall Gray, Naimah Blanch, Kayleigh Shabazz, and Katelin Navarre sprinted their way to a 6th Place Finish in the Class 2A 4x100m Relay!
👟💨💪🏾 Unity. Speed. Execution. They brought it all.

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🌟 DESTINY JOHNSON FLIES INTO THE TOP 8 — AND TRIPLES UP!
With poise, power, and precision, Destiny Johnson soared to an 8th Place Finish in the Long Jump and also claimed 7th Place in the Triple Jump — proving that Southland talent dominates in the field events too!
🔴💙 She didn’t just jump — she flew!

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⚡ KATELIN NAVARRE SPRINTS INTO STATE SPOTLIGHT!
In a blazing performance, Katelin Navarre finished 6th in the 100M Dash, marking her place among the fastest in Illinois! 🔥
🔴💙 Speed. Strength. Southland.

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🎉 COACHING & LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE ON FULL DISPLAY!
A special and heartfelt congratulations to Head Coach Catresea Travis, who has worked tirelessly this season and led this team with relentless passion, dedication, and heart.
We also celebrate the outstanding contributions of Coaches Edward McKinnie and Michael Steward, whose behind-the-scenes efforts and daily commitment helped push our athletes to greatness.

👏🏽 And a huge thank you to Athletic Director Justin Johnson, whose leadership, support, and vision have been vital to the success of Southland’s athletic programs.
🙌🏽 This Top 3 finish is a testament to a unified coaching staff and a leader who believes in excellence. Every coach and administrator deserves their flowers!

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🎊 CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR INCREDIBLE ATHLETES!
We are so proud of each and every one of you. You’ve inspired our school, uplifted our community, and made Southland history as a Top 3 team in the entire state of Illinois.
Your commitment, excellence, and sportsmanship are second to none.

🔴💙 The future is bright — GO SOUTHLAND! 🦅