Congratulations!🛑 Sam Woods Has Qualified for Four Events at the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 1A State Track & Field Meet
Jacksonville, FL – A rising star in high school athletics has emerged, and her name is Sam Woods. The talented young athlete from Providence School has qualified for four events at the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 1A State Track & Field Meet, set to take place today, Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the University of North Florida’s Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville. Woods’ remarkable achievement has sparked excitement among her peers, coaches, and the Northeast Florida track community as she prepares to compete on one of the state’s biggest stages.
Woods earned her spot in the state meet after an outstanding performance at the regional championships earlier this month. She qualified in the 100m, 200m, 400m, and the 4×400 relay, showcasing her versatility and speed across multiple disciplines. Her times in the sprints have been particularly impressive, with a personal best of 11.82 in the 100m and 24.32 in the 200m at the regional meet, placing her among the top seeds in Class 1A. Additionally, her 400m time of 55.92 and her contribution to Providence’s 4×400 relay team have positioned her as a strong contender for multiple podium finishes.
The Class 1A State Meet, part of a two-day championship event at Hodges Stadium, follows a weather-related postponement of the Class 3A meet on May 9, which was rescheduled to share the day with Class 1A and Class 4A finals. The University of North Florida’s Hodges Stadium, known for its world-class track surface, has been a frequent host of the FHSAA championships, having previously held the event in 2012-2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2024. Today’s competition is expected to draw over 1,000 athletes from across Florida, with field events kicking off at 1 p.m., the 4×800 relays at 4 p.m., and all other track events starting at 6 p.m., weather permitting.
Woods, a junior, has been a standout for Providence, a school with a strong track and field tradition in Northeast Florida. Her coach, Mark Johnson, praised her dedication and work ethic. “Sam has put in countless hours to get to this point. She’s a natural leader and a fierce competitor. We’re incredibly proud of her and excited to see what she can do at the state level,” Johnson said. Woods follows in the footsteps of other Providence athletes like Ellis Halton and Harrison Kozlowski, who have also qualified for state meets in recent years.
For Woods, the meet is a chance to make her mark on Florida’s track and field history. She’ll face tough competition, including athletes like Travis from Fort Myers Evangelical Christian School, who dominated the 100m, 200m, and 400m in the 2024 Class 1A Championships with times of 11.65, 24.05, and 55.06, respectively. However, Woods’ consistency across events and her relay experience could give her an edge. Fans and supporters are eager to see if she can bring home a state title—or four—to Providence.
As the FHSAA Class 1A State Meet unfolds today, all eyes will be on Sam Woods as she chases her dreams on the track. Win or lose, her qualification in four events is a testament to her talent and determination, marking her as a name to watch in the future of Florida high school athletics.
