Seven standout athletes from Mercer Island High School are set to compete on the national stage at the 57th Annual Arcadia Invitational, widely regarded as the most competitive high school track and field meet in the country. The event takes place April 11–12, 2025, at Arcadia High School in Arcadia, California.
The Arcadia Invitational has a long and storied history, known for its lightning-fast times and elite competition. The meet has produced 36 national records and more than 200 U.S. Olympians, earning its reputation as “Home of national records.”
Representing Mercer Island High School:
- Owen Powell
A senior distance star, Powell made national headlines this season by setting the high school indoor mile record with a blazing 3:56.66 at the Boston University Terrier DMR Challenge. He also became the first Washington high school athlete to run a sub-4:00 mile with a 3:57.74 at the UW Husky Classic. Powell holds multiple school records and is one of the top prep distance runners in the U.S. heading into Arcadia. - Sophia Rodriguez
One of the top young talents in the nation, Sophia holds national indoor records in both the 2-mile (10:12.56) and 5,000 meters (16:22.70). She also owns the world U14 record in the 2-mile (10:20.68), and recently placed 20th in the COROS MileSplit50 national indoor rankings. A dominant force at the state level, she is the reigning WIAA 3A cross country state champion, setting a course record of 16:48.1. Sophia recently signed an NIL deal with Nike, further cementing her place as a rising star. - Victoria Rodriguez
Victoria is an elite distance athlete in her own right, having won the Nike Outdoor Nationals steeplechase and placed second at the WIAA 3A State Cross Country Championships. Most recently, she set a meet record and a U.S. No. 1 time of 6:41.62 in the 2,000-meter steeplechase at the 2025 Oregon Relays. Her speed, stamina, and championship experience make her one to watch at Arcadia. - Matthew Lawrence
A strong distance runner, Lawrence has made a name for himself in the 1,600 meters and cross-country. He placed 11th at the 2024 WIAA 3A State Cross Country Championships with a time of 15:40.30 and has recorded a personal best of 4:30.38 in the 1,600 meters. Lawrence’s performances in relays have also contributed to the success of Mercer Island’s track team. - Bodie Thomas
A rising distance competitor, Thomas has a personal best of 8:40.67 in the 3000 meters, making him the second-fastest in Mercer Island school history. His dedication and steady progression have earned him a spot on the national stage.
- Lauren Balousek
A multi-talented sprinter and jumper, Lauren Balousek is quickly making a name for herself in Washington state track and field. A powerhouse in both the 200m and 400m, she has been consistently improving her times. Balousek also excels in long jump, where she’s posted impressive marks. With her versatility and determination, Lauren is one of Mercer Island’s most dynamic athletes heading into Arcadia. - Eloise Newman
Known for her speed and relentless work ethic, Eloise Newman is a versatile sprinter and hurdler. She excels in the 100m and 300m hurdles, earning top finishes in these events. At the Washington State Championships, Newman claimed the 3A girls’ 100-meter hurdle title with a time of 15.45 seconds and has a personal best of 15.39 seconds in the 100-meter hurdles at the Arcadia Invitational. Newman’s versatility also extends to relays, contributing to her team’s success in the 4×100 meters and other relay events. Her adaptability and athleticism make her a standout contender at Arcadia. - Aaliyah Khan
As a junior, Aaliyah Khan has consistently excelled in the long jump and triple jump. She has set personal records of 18-3.75 (5.57 meters) indoors and 17-4.75 (5.29 meters) outdoors in the long jump, and 38-5.5 (11.72 meters) indoors and 39-2 (11.94 meters) outdoors in the triple jump. Khan’s consistent performances and impressive marks place her as one of the top athletes in Washington’s track and field scene. At the 2024 Oregon Relays, she set a personal best in the triple jump with a mark of 37-2.25 (11.33 meters), placing third in the event. Expect her to shine at the Arcadia Invitational.
Participation in the Arcadia Invitational is a major milestone for any high school athlete, and these Islanders are prepared to rise to the challenge. Their presence at such a prestigious meet reflects the hard work of the athletes, coaches, and the supportive Mercer Island track and field community.