2025 UIL 1A Girls 800m
The 2025 UIL Girls 1A 800 meters delivered a thrilling race with Menard sophomore Danni Ruiz living up to her billing as the heavy favorite. Ruiz, the defending state champion and owner of a 2:15 season best, took command from the gun with her smooth, efficient stride and set the tone early. Clocking a swift 1:06.40 through the first lap, Ruiz looked composed and in control as she powered through the second lap, stretching her lead and finishing with an impressive 2:17.32 - a dominant performance that brought her back-to-back state titles.
Blackwell senior Kinley Cummings made sure Ruiz didn't have it entirely her own way. With a strong start out of lane 2, Cummings stayed surprisingly close to Ruiz through the opening lap and never let up, finishing in a well-earned second place at 2:20.69. The real drama unfolded in the battle for third, as Bellevue freshman Mattie Broussard surged down the homestretch to edge out Borden County senior Haven Hill, 2:22.45 to 2:22.82, and secure the final spot on the podium.
The absence of Isabella Billingsley of McMullen County, who earlier placed third in the 3200 and came in with a season-best 2:19, left the medal hunt wide open. That gave runners like Broussard and Hill the opportunity to shine on the state stage. Behind them, Camie Taylor of McMullen County and Gracee Henderson of McLean rounded out the top six, while the young field promises even more excitement in future seasons. Ruiz's commanding win cements her status as one of the top middle-distance runners in the small-school ranks, and as just a sophomore, her future looks incredibly bright.
