Girls Track – Smart AND Fast!

Posted May 19, 2026

Congratulations to TPS Girls Track for proving they are fast and smart! Mr. Litt, the Athletic Director, was recently informed they earned …”the Spring 2026 Academic Athletic Team Award by achieving the highest reported GPA in Riverside County for Track.” The award was given by Steven B. Hickman, Ed.D., Coordinator, Instructional Services, Division of Educational Services, Riverside County Office of Education.
Coach Michelle Clay, the head Track coach of the boys and girls’ teams, was thrilled when she heard the news.  Coach Clay has been coaching for 7 years as a head and assistant coach for Track and Cross Country at Temecula Prep.  When Coach Clay isn’t at TPrep coaching, she is traveling with her husband and 2 sons, baking, playing with her 2 labrador retrievers, going to concerts, shopping for running shoes and having fun with family and friends.
Coach Clay said most female athletes are returning runners and brought a level of professionalism and maturity to the team this season. When asked how the athletes balance academics and their sport, Coach Clay said the girls do their homework between events at the track meets.  Coach Clay keeps daily practice to 90 minutes and schedules their Spring Break practices in the morning. She gives them plenty of time to get their homework done.
When asked about the culture of the whole track team, Coach Clay said, “These ladies are so supportive of each other. The entire team is. They can also push each other to do and be their very best on and off the track. I have so many memories of the athletes supporting each other, lots of laughter and lots of places to eat. Runners love their food!!” The runners were very excited to participate in Invitationals for both Cross Country and Track.
Coach Clay is motivated by this award stating, “I plan to be mindful of practice times and will encourage them to work on any homework they can while at meets. I’ll encourage discussion of academics and ideas for all athletes and make sure that their academics and their health and safety are paramount.”