Liberty girls look to dethrone Centennial for 5A track title

Liberty's girls track team sees a chance to compete with powerhouse Centennial, which has won 11 of the past 12 state championships, for the Class 5A title this season.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Liberty's girls track and field team is aiming to end Centennial's dominance in the Class 5A state championship meet. Centennial has won 11 of the past 12 state titles, with Liberty briefly interrupting the streak in 2023. Liberty coach Jason Lam believes his squad has a chance to dethrone the powerhouse Centennial team, though he acknowledges it will be a tough challenge. Meanwhile, Centennial has a new coach in Dorian Williams, who is confident his girls and boys teams will compete for championships this season.

Why it matters

The rivalry between Liberty and Centennial in girls track and field has been intense, with Centennial emerging as the dominant force in recent years. Liberty's quest to end Centennial's reign atop the 5A division will be a major storyline in the upcoming season, as the two schools battle for state supremacy.

The details

Liberty's girls track team is led by standout sprinters Trishelle Tucay and Mariah Watson, as well as high jumpers Maia Greer and Ashley Chavez. The Patriots lost four key seniors to graduation but believe they have the talent to challenge Centennial. Centennial, meanwhile, returns several state champions including sprinters Amara Young and Synai Davis, thrower Alexis Pittman, pole vaulter Claris Monarrez and hurdler Leilani Washington. The Bulldogs also have some promising freshmen expected to make an impact this season.

  • Liberty won the Class 5A state championship in 2023, briefly interrupting Centennial's dominant run.
  • Centennial has won 11 of the past 12 state titles in girls track and field.

The players

Jason Lam

The head coach of Liberty's girls track and field team, who believes his squad has a chance to dethrone powerhouse Centennial this season.

Dorian Williams

The new head coach of Centennial's track and field program, taking over for the legendary Roy Session. Williams is confident his girls and boys teams will compete for championships this season.

Trishelle Tucay

A standout sprinter for Liberty's girls track team.

Mariah Watson

Another top sprinter for Liberty's girls track team.

Amara Young

A returning state champion sprinter for Centennial's girls track team.

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What they’re saying

“Our kids understand that the team title is the ultimate sign of success in this sport. Last year was tough, but Centennial is the ultimate competition anyone would want to take down. And that's going to be tough.”

— Jason Lam, Head Coach, Liberty Girls Track (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

“Things look good for us. The biggest thing is me taking over for Coach Roy. Those are some big shoes to fill.”

— Dorian Williams, Head Coach, Centennial Track (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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