2025 UIL 4A Girls 4x100 Relay
The 4A girls' 4x100-meter relay final at the 2025 UIL State Championships delivered all the drama you'd expect from one of Texas' marquee sprint events. With the 2017 Dallas Carter team-anchored by none other than Sha'Carri Richardson-still holding the 4A state meet record at 45.96, this year's contenders came in knowing they'd need near-perfection to approach that historic mark.
Brownwood, the pre-meet favorite with a 47.07 season-best, faced stiff competition from Celina and Tyler Chapel Hill, both entering with top marks in the low 47s. But before the race could even find its rhythm, the nerves of the big stage crept in. Simultaneous false starts from Madisonville and Tyler Chapel Hill disrupted the field and amped up the pressure on the first leg runners.
After thecall-back finally got underway, Celina and Comal Canyon Lake were out quickly, setting the tone in the opening exchange. But by the second handoff, Brownwood had surged into the lead, with smooth baton work and strong running through the middle legs. It all came down to the anchors, and while Celina's Lexi Simmonds put in a ferocious final push, Brownwood's Aniah Hines held steady, powering her team across the line in a winning time of 47.00, matching their season best.
Celina finished a close second at 47.06, just a whisper behind, while Katy Freeman, anchored by Allanah Shepherd, closed well to claim third in 47.39. Cuero and Gilmer rounded out the top five with times of 47.46 and 47.99, respectively. Despite strong efforts, Comal Canyon Lake and Decatur couldn't quite crack the top three, finishing sixth and seventh. Meanwhile, Madisonville and Tyler Chapel Hill were both disqualified after their false starts, a heartbreaking end to what had promised to be a thrilling race.
In a final loaded with pressure and near-flawless execution, Brownwood's quartet of Icess Hall, Kaya Phillips, Jade Morin, and Aniah Hines proved they were the class of the field, capping off their season with a championship and a moment they'll never forget.
