NEWBERG, Ore. — Newberg High School senior track standout and state champion runner Sophia Castaneda is preparing for her final high school season, with at least one postgraduation decision settled after declaring her intention to attend the University of Michigan.
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“I’m so pumped, and I’m so happy that I get to do this and be able to be a Michigan Wolverine,” Castaneda said. She announced her decision on Instagram in mid-November.
Castaneda competes in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and her signature 400 meters. She also runs on the 4×100 and 4×400 relay teams.
Flanked by her parents, Randy and Tiffany Castaneda, in the NHS weight room on Wednesday, Dec. 17, Newberg High School track and field coaches, friends, and family gathered to celebrate Castaneda with an official signing day event.
“Things like this don’t come around very often,” said NHS track coach Brandon Ramey. “In fact, in my 15 years as a head coach and 20 years as an educator here, this is the first time we’ve had an official full-ride signing party. It’s a cool deal, it’s a big deal, and it’s something we should celebrate.”
Castaneda, an Oregon native, said she chose Michigan for its balance of athletics and academics. She also considered the University of Washington, the University of Utah, and the University of California, Los Angeles.
“After I went, everything I saw was Michigan,” she said. “It felt like the universe was giving me signs to go there. I love Oregon, but it’ll be good to experience some change.”
As a team, Michigan’s women’s track and field program finished in ninth place out of 17 teams at the Big Ten championship in 2025, and did not have a runner in the Women’s 400 meters final.
Castaneda said she has been training multiple times a week in the weight room in preparation for early 2026 competitions. Her upcoming schedule includes the 2026 Spokane High School Invitational from Jan. 23–25 and the New Balance Nationals Indoor from March 12–15. Ramey said the coaching staff is also working toward having Castaneda compete in the 2026 USA Track and Field Under-20 Championships in June.
Along with preparing for local and state races, Castaneda said she hopes to cement her name in Oregon track history.
“I’m looking forward to a big personal-record race time, and I really want to chase down the state record,” she said.
The OSAA Class 6A state record in the 400 meters is 52.83 seconds, set by Josie Donelson of Lake Oswego High School in 2024. Castaneda’s current personal record in the event is 53.16 seconds.
Castaneda said she has not yet chosen a field of study but is interested in business and marketing.
“As I move on to this next chapter, I’m excited, motivated, and ready for the challenges ahead,” she said. “I know this is just the beginning, and I promise to continue working hard and representing everyone who has supported me along the way.”
Follow the Newberg High School track and field program this spring on its Athletic.net page.
