The 5-foot-9 senior set a state record in winning the 800-meter run at the Group 6A state meet this past season, leading the Pioneers to a seventh-place finish as a team. McArthur broke the tape in the 800 in 2:05.42, which ranked as the nation's No. 3 performance among prep competitors this spring at the time of her selection. Her 1,600 clocking of 4:41.67 at the Group 6A North Region meet set a state record and was No. 1 in the country at the time of her selection. She won the national championship in the 800 at the 2017 New Balance Nationals Indoor with a time of 2:06.08-the No. 9 indoor time in prep history.
McArthur has maintained a 3.25 GPA in the classroom. She has signed a national letter of intent to compete on an athletic scholarship at Villanova University beginning this fall.
A talented artist, McArthur creates artwork for area shows. She has volunteered locally as a youth track coach. "Throughout 2017, Rachel has proven time and time again that she is the most dominant athlete in whatever event she runs," said Mike Feldman, head coach of Osbourn Park High. "In a state where there are stars on the track and in the field, Rachel McArthur's star shines brightest."
