Gatorade 2023 - 2024: Player of the Year

Girls Track & Field - Florida

athletes playing Girls Track & Field
The POY Logo
GIRLS TRACK & FIELD

Aleesa Samuel

Hurdles
SOMERSET ACADEMY
PEMBROKE PINES, FLORIDA
JUNIOR
Height: 5-FOOT-4
Press Release

Peak Performance

4th

Nike Outdoor Nationals - 100m Hurdles

1st - 13.12

Bob Hayes Invitational - 100m Hurdles

1st

Brooks PR Invitational - 100m Hurdles
“After a tremendous start to her season, Aleesa Samuel’s ability to overcome a midseason injury and refocus by season’s end not only netted her a major meet title on the national stage, it set the groundwork for further growth. Only a half-dozen hurdlers in prep history have broken 13 seconds in the 100. Given her sheer power over the barriers and elite speed, it’s only a matter of time before she busts down that door.”
Rich Gonzalez
editor of PrepCalTrack.com
excellence star

Athletic Excellence

Bypassing the state meet to focus on the national scene, the 5-foot-4 junior hurdler earned All-America honors this past season by way of a fourth-place finish in the 100-meter hurdles at Nike Outdoor Nationals. Samuel rocketed to the state record in that event at the early season Bob Hayes Invitational—her winning time of 13.12 seconds ranked No. 1 in the nation among prep girls this spring and No. 11 in prep history. She also won the event at the Texas Relays and the Brooks PR Invitational in addition to taking home FHSAA Class 3A District 15 titles in the 100 dash and 100 hurdles.

a graduation cap

Academic Achievement

Samuel has maintained a 3.12 GPA in the classroom. She will begin her senior year of high school this fall.

first place ribbon

Exemplary Character

Samuel has volunteered locally preparing meals to feed the homeless during the annual Thanksgiving holiday. She also has donated her time mentoring and tutoring youth athletes at The Grind House training facility.