Amaya Pleas: Florida’s Versatile Track and Field Star

Amaya Pleas has emerged as one of Florida’s most dynamic track and field athletes, excelling in middle-distance running, relays, and long jump while showcasing remarkable versatility. A senior at Miami Southridge High School (Class of 2024) and incoming collegiate athlete at East Carolina University, Pleas’ journey from regional meets to state and national competitions underscores her technical precision, endurance, and leadership in relays.

Early Life and Foundations

Born in Cutler Bay, Florida, Pleas discovered her passion for track and field in middle school, drawn to the sport’s blend of individual and team challenges. Her early training emphasized sprinting and jumping, laying the groundwork for her later success in the 800m and long jump.

High School Career and Achievements

Sprint and Middle-Distance Dominance

Pleas became a cornerstone of Miami Southridge’s track program, earning recognition for her range:

• 800m: Personal best of 2:14.15 (2024 FHSAA 4A District 16), ranking among Florida’s top performers.

• 4x400m Relay: Anchored teams to victories at the 2024 GMAC Championship (3:48.95) and 2024 Pepsi Florida Relays (3:51.22).

• 4x800m Relay: Helped secure a 9:22.20 finish at the 2024 Pepsi Florida Relays, contributing to Southridge’s relay dominance.

Long Jump Breakthroughs

Pleas’ technical prowess in horizontal jumps solidified her as a dual-threat athlete:

• Personal Best: 5.74m (18’10”) at the 2024 FHSAA 4A District 16 meet, ranking No. 8 in Florida’s Class 4A.

• Consistency: Achieved 10+ jumps over 5.40m in 2024, with an 85% foul-free rate in major competitions.

State and National Recognition

• 2024 FHSAA Class 4A State Championships: Placed 8th in long jump (5.48m) and 7th in the 800m (2:17.42).

• 2023 FHSAA Class 4A Regionals: Gold in long jump (5.53m) and 4x800m relay (9:33.58).

Collegiate Ascendancy at East Carolina University

Pleas joined East Carolina in 2024, transitioning seamlessly to NCAA competition:

• Indoor Season (2025):

  • Competed in the 400m (58.27) and 4x400m relay (3:42.52) at the Gamecock Challenge.

  • Anchored the Distance Medley Relay (12:09.96) at the American Indoor Championships.

• Outdoor Season (2025):

  • Clocked a 400m PB of 56.08 at the Bill Carson Invitational, showcasing her sprint versatility.

  • Contributed to ECU’s 4x400m relay (3:39.40) at the Florida Relays.

Technical Profile and Versatility

Pleas’ success stems from a blend of speed, endurance, and technical discipline:

• 800m Strategy: Combines aggressive starts with sustained pacing, often closing races with sub-30-second final 200m splits.

• Long Jump: Utilizes a 14-stride approach, optimizing velocity (8.2 m/s) and board accuracy.

• Relay Expertise: Known for clutch anchor legs, particularly in 4x400m and 4x800m events.

Challenges and Resilience

Pleas overcame early-career setbacks, including adapting to the demands of multi-event training. Her ability to balance relays with individual events—while maintaining academic excellence—highlights her time management and mental toughness.

Legacy and Impact

• Inspiration: Mentors younger athletes at Miami Southridge, emphasizing the importance of versatility in track and field.

• Cultural Significance: As one of few Florida athletes excelling in both jumps and middle-distance, she challenges specialization norms.

Future Trajectory

Pleas aims to:

• Breach 2:10.00 in the 800m and 6.00m in the long jump.

• Qualify for the NCAA Championships and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

• Pursue a degree in sports science, aiming to coach post-collegiately.

Conclusion

Amaya Pleas’ journey from Cutler Bay’s tracks to NCAA podiums embodies resilience and versatility. Her achievements in relays, jumps, and middle-distance events position her as a role model for aspiring multi-event athletes. As she strides toward collegiate and Olympic aspirations, Pleas continues to redefine limits, proving that dedication and adaptability can propel athletes to extraordinary heights.

Key Stats:

• 800m: 2:14.15 (HS), 2:17.42 (State).

• Long Jump: 5.74m (HS), 5.48m (State).

• Relays: 3:48.95 (4x400m), 9:22.20 (4x800m).

“Track isn’t just about one event—it’s about pushing your limits everywhere.” — Amaya Pleas.

Go Amaya!