The 5-foot-3 freshman won the NSAA Class D state meet this past season with a state record time of 17:29.0, eclipsing the previous mark set by state four-time Gatorade Player of the Year Jeralyn Poe of Lincoln North Star High (2011-15). Arens broke the tape a staggering one minute and 58.9 seconds ahead of her next-closest competitor, leading the Warriors to a second-place team finish. She also took 10th at the NXN Heartland Regional Championship, to earn Second Team All-Region honors and complete an unbeaten campaign against Nebraska runners.
Arens has maintained a 4.00 GPA in the classroom. She will begin her sophomore year of high school this fall.
Also a basketball talent, Arens has volunteered locally at Crofton’s Santa Day, organizing children’s games for the event, and as part of litter pickup days following severe weather episodes. A participant in NSAA public speaking and one-act play production competitions, also has donated her time on behalf of the St. Rose of Lima Parish.
