Encinal’s track season has officially begun, with tryouts starting Feb. 9. Encinal’s new field opened Jan. 9, 2026, granting the Jets access to new and improved facilities just in time for the track and field season.
“My expectation is to be able to win. We developed a reputation within the WACC conference as well as NCS,” said head coach Derrick Lyons. “We produce winners in different categories, and we’ve won a lot in track.”
Senior Donovan Heins looks to continue where he left off last season. At the end of the 2025 track season, Heins was ranked No. 5 in the state of California in the long jump, despite going through an injury midway through the season.
“I want to be … number one,” said Heins. “Once you’re number one, you want to hold yourself to that standard and hopefully come out with a state title.”
Senior Nyah Williams-Brown is Encinal’s top thrower, competing in shot put and discus. Though she did not PR in shot put this past season, Williams-Brown broke her discus personal record, reaching 115 feet, 5 inches.
“I feel very happy [about starting this season]. I’m excited for us to be on the field and do everything we need to do. I’m excited for our team this year,” Williams-Brown said.
Lyons also spoke about Williams-Brown receiving attention from Cal Poly Pomona, a Division I track and field program that won its second consecutive Big West Conference championship during the 2025 season.
“… I’m excited because Cal Poly actually showed interest in her,” Lyons said. “… So I am excited to see what she can do this year.”
Even though the Jets have a brand-new facility, they will not host any meets during the 2026 season, mainly because of a lack of equipment.
Many athletes expressed disappointment but said they were grateful to have the field at all. Last year, the Jets were forced to practice at Estuary and at the College of Alameda while the field was being redone.
“I think it’s really nice,” senior Keller Johnson said when asked about the new field. “I’m sad we’re not going to host any meets. I think it’s beautiful.”
Johnson PR’d during the 2024 season with a 6-foot, 0.5-inch high jump. He aims to improve his approach, which he hopes to do with the new facility.
Sophomore Violet Yap was one of the few freshmen on varsity last season. She competed in the 100-meter, 200-meter, 4×100-meter relay and long jump. Yap discussed the team dynamic and what it was like being a younger athlete on an older team.
“It was really fun,” Yap said. “It was supportive, and I felt really welcomed.”
Encinal looks forward to more consistent practices and putting in the work this season. The Jets’ first meet is March 14 in San Leandro at the San Leandro Invitational.
