2026 Girls Field Athlete of the Year: Abella Exantus

Now that the spring sports season has come to a close, it’s time to reveal the All-Coastal Preps teams. Over the next week, you will get to know more about the players of the year while also seeing who made first and second team in boys golf, boys tennis, boys and girls lacrosse, boys and girls track & field, girls soccer, softball, and baseball.

The Coastal Preps Girls Field Athlete of the Year is junior Abella Exantus from Hoggard.

Abella’s Accomplishments

No track & field athlete showed more versatility this spring than Abella Exantus, who excelled in five events. 

When the pressure was at its highest, Exantus was at her best.

She easily won the NCHSAA 8A East title in the long jump with a distance of 17-6. A week later at states, she shattered her own area-best mark by reaching 17-9 to finish in third place. 

Exantus also tied for seventh in the state in the high jump. She had the area’s best height at 5-3, which she cleared at the Seahawk Invitational on April 18. 

She broke the school record in both events. Exantus also excelled on the track as a sprinter. 

She was instrumental in guiding Hoggard to the Carolina Coast Conference title by winning the high jump and finishing second in the long jump, 100-meter dash, and 200. 

Exantus had top-three area times in the 100, 200, and 400. 

More about Abella

Favorite Restaurant(s): Texas Roadhouse

Favorite Movie(s): Soul Surfer

Favorite TV Show(s): The Vampire Diaries

Favorite Athlete(s): Masai Russell, and Sha’Carri Richardson

Favorite memory from this season: Placing third at states in long jump

Favorite memory from your career: Winning the conference championship in the 100 and 200 last year.

Favorite thing about your school or team: We have a family bond. We all get along well and support each other.

Do you have any superstitions or pre-game rituals? If so, what are they?: I listen to music before every meet.

What app on your phone do you use the most?: TikTok

Where is one place you’ve never been that you’d like to visit?: Hawaii

Do you prefer cold or hot weather?: Hot

Would you rather watch a movie at home or in the theater?: At home

Do you have a sweet tooth? If so, what is your favorite treat?: I love M&M’s

What 3 items would you bring with you to a deserted island?: My phone, running shoes, and water.

What is one hidden talent you have that most people don’t know about?: I am really good at lip-reading. 

What is your favorite milkshake flavor from Cook Out?: Oreo

What is one thing you want people to know about you besides being a great athlete?: I want people to know that I have a very positive attitude on and off the field, and I make sure I am a great influence at school.