McKinney North junior Ryhan Balous showcased her exceptional talent and versatility at the Class 5A state track meet in Austin on Friday. Despite battling a bothersome ankle, Balous soared to victory in the girls long jump, clinching the state title with a remarkable mark of 19 feet, 11.25 inches.
Balous, who has garnered Division I interest for both track and basketball, demonstrated her potential as a top-tier athlete with her impressive performance. While she excels in both sports, Balous expressed a preference for track if she had to choose between the two.
The talented junior, who set a personal best of 20-2.5 earlier this year, is a force to be reckoned with on the track. Balous’ success extends beyond the long jump, as she also secured a second-place finish in the 100 meters at the state meet.
In addition to her athletic prowess, Balous has diverse interests that extend beyond sports. A talented painter with a passion for photojournalism, she is considering pursuing a major in the field.
With interest from top universities like Tennessee, Texas A&M, and UCF for track, as well as Oklahoma State and North Texas for basketball, Balous has a bright future ahead of her. Her dedication, talent, and multifaceted interests make her a standout athlete to watch in the world of high school sports.
