Midlothian Heritage senior defends state title in triple jump, hurdles; wins three events

Senior Leah Anderson successfully defended her UIL Class 4A triple jump state title on Thursday at UT with a mark of 40-3.75, which she recorded on her second of six attempts.

She bested Ferris’ Arieanna Jefferson (39-5.75) and Lake Belton’s Layloni Watson (39-3.25). Glen Rose’s Kylie Frush (37-8.50) and Springtown’s Mackenzie Flaugher (37-6.25) came in sixth and seventh place.

“I just trusted my training and all the hard work I put in,” Anderson said. “In track, you’re always competing and it feels good. I’m blessed to have a really good season and to have really good coaches.”

Anderson also took home the bronze medal on Thursday in the long jump (18-4.75).

“It was a good experience coming out here last year,” she said. “Already having that experience under my belt really helped.”

Anderson also won the 100 and 300 meter hurdles. She defended her title in the 100 and came in second in the 300 last season as a junior. Overall she finishes with four medals, three gold on Thursday and seven medals total (five gold) in the past two years.

She will continue her track career at Georgia.

“I’m very proud of myself,” Anderson said. “Heritage means a lot to me. I’m sad to leave my coaches and my teammates. They’re some of the best people I’ve met and my coaches are very supportive. The whole district is.”

This story was originally published May 12, 2022 at 4:39 PM.