“Tatum David produced the most impressive season of distance running in Illinois prep history, achieving state records in multiple events. She demonstrated she could dominate high school races and hold her own with professional athletes at showcase events, becoming the only female high school competitor to ever run sub-2:06 in the 800, under 4:38 in the mile and sub-9:50 in the 3200.”

Erik Boal

editor at DyeStat.com

Athletic Excellence

The 5-foot-6 senior won Class 2A individual state titles in the 1600 and 3200-meter events this past season and earned top 10 national rankings in four events. David clocked the nation’s fastest 3200 by a prep girl in 2023 at the Herrin Girls Invite, breaking the tape in 9:48.94 and setting a new state record. She broke another state record, this time in the mile, with a second-place finish at the Brooks PR Invitational in 4:35.87. Her personal-best time of 2:05.29 in the 800 this season ranks No. 2 in state history among prep girls. She also ran the fastest indoor mile in state history this year, clocking a 4:38.80 to finish second at New Balance Nationals in March.

Academic Achievement

David has maintained a 5.09 weighted GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in the classroom. She has signed a National Letter of Intent to compete on scholarship at University of Virginia this fall.

Exemplary Character

David has volunteered for the state attorney general’s office completing clerical work at her local courthouse. She’s also donated her time with the annual Little Tiger Track Meet in Olney and on behalf of Good Samaritan food drives, distributing Thanksgiving turkeys to underserved families in association with Meat Artisan. In addition to collecting and delivering stuffed animals to Masters Hands, Inc., a thrift store, David has served as a member of her school’s the UNICEF Club, One Tiger Nation Club and Pep Club.