Qualifying for state track is no easy feat. Neither is medaling, but Gianna Grant, an incoming senior at Winnebago High School, did just that. Gianna placed third in the high jump at the Class C NSAA State Track Meet in May. Gianna was just shy of qualifying last year, but returned for the 2026 season in full force. Gianna had three first place finishes, and sixteen top five finishes. When asked what track means to her, Gianna replied, “it’s just something fun to do”. Gianna’s track coach, Dusty Welsh, shares that “it’s fun to coach a kid with clear goals that they want to attain and (she) understands everything we make her do, is to help attain those goals.”
Before each meet, Gianna remarks that she tries to eat a good breakfast and make sure her hair is done. When we asked what her favorite events are to participate in, she said “high jump and that's it”. The school records she holds in the 4x100 relay, short distance medley relay, and triple jump (in addition to high jump) might suggest otherwise. There is no doubt that Gianna is an athlete across all varieties of events, including her other sport, basketball.
During this season, Gianna mentioned a minor setback when she missed some meets and practices while taking a trip to Washington, D.C. However, it seems that did not affect her ability on the track, as she still competed and earned several medals. When we asked what Gianna’s goals are for the next season, she simply replied, “Make it to state”. She states that she will accomplish that by working out and conditioning this summer. As well as playing other sports during the school year. We have no doubt that Gianna will not only make it back to the state stage, but shine as well. Neither does her coach, Dusty, he tells “ Now it’s on her to keep grinding, and getting better if she wants to do it again next year.”
Gianna shares that winning districts with her friends and coach by her side has been her favorite memory of her track and field career. She tells younger athletes that if they also want to become state medalists, they need to keep working hard. Gianna remarks that WPS has helped shape her journey, because through WPS she knows her friends, family, and her tribe are behind her.