2026 Girls Track Athlete of the Year: Mia Medlin

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 Track Athlete of the Year is junior Mia Medlin from Hoggard.

Mia’s Accomplishments

Mia Medlin continues to cement her place as one of the best distance runners in New Hanover County history. 

Several months after completing a dominant cross-country season, Medlin was back to her winning ways on the track. 

The junior standout helped Hoggard capture a sixth consecutive conference title by crossing the finish line first in the 800-meter run, 1,600, and 3,200. She also anchored the 4×800 relay to finish as the only athlete at the meet with four victories. 

At the NCHSAA 8A East Regional, Medlin again won the 1,600 and 3,200. She only competed in the 3,200 a week later at states, and finished as the runner-up. 

Medlin was the only area athlete to break the five-minute mark in the 1,600. Her time of 4:58.93 on April 1 was just one second shy of the area record.  

She also broke the school and area record in the 3,200 by finishing in 10:29.26 at the Carolina Distance Carnival.

Medlin had the five fastest times in the area in the 1,600 as well as the top three times in the 3,200. 

More about Mia

Favorite Restaurant(s): Islands

Favorite Movie(s): The Amazing Spider-Man and The Hunger Games movies

Favorite TV Show(s): Stranger Things

Favorite Athlete(s): Parker Valby

Favorite memory from this season: Winning the conference title as a team after individually winning three events and one relay. I was so exhausted and relieved it was over, but super happy with myself and proud of the team as well. Conference is always super fun and a whole vibe. It’s the last time the entire team is together before varsity moves on to regionals and states, so we always cherish it and make it as fun as possible.

Favorite memory from your career: As far as my track career goes, the Carolina Distance Carnival this year was a blast. It was so fun breaking the school record and the 10:30-mark in the 3200. Chatting with the girls I compete with, as well as hanging out with my girlfriends and meeting college coaches, made it my favorite high school track meet experience so far.

Favorite thing about your school or team: Each of us girls values each other’s success just as much as our own. It’s such a supportive environment, and we are all working toward our goals together.

Do you have any superstitions or pre-game rituals? If so, what are they?: I’ve always prayed with my dad before an important race.

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

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

Do you prefer cold or hot weather?: Cold weather for running, hot for everyday life

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?: Yes! Key lime pie is my favorite.

What 3 items would you bring with you to a deserted island?: My mom, my water, and a lighter.

What is one hidden talent you have that most people don’t know about?: I ride horses.

What is one thing you want people to know about you besides being a great athlete?: I am a huge animal lover and have a few too many pets 🙂