After sitting out last season due to transferring to John Curtis, sophomore Addilyn Dufrene made the most of her return at her season opener--the LSU High School Classic. Dufrene finished just off the podium with her fourth place clearance of 5-3.
Dufrene's 5-3 was the state-leading jump. After week No. 2 in the season, Dufrene shares the distinction with fellow sophomore--Barbe's Aniyha Lavan, who jumped 5-3 in winning the McNeese Indoor No.1 yesterday.
For her efforts, Dufrene was placed on the ballot for MileSplit LA Girls Performer of the Week. Her family, friends, teammates, and classmates helped her get to the finish line last night in first place. She received 36% of the vote to win Week No. 1 MileSplit LA Girls Performer of the Week.
Baton Rouge Magnet's Natalie Venkataraman was second in the voting with 27%.
"It feels great starting off the season with a PR of 5-3, considering the LSU High School Classic was my first ever indoor meet," Dufrene said. "With being ineligible last year, it was a bummer not being able to compete indoor, but I'm thankful for the process and excited for this 2024 season."
After a successful start, Dufrene looks to keep it going this weekend at the LSU High School Qualifier.
"Some of my goals for this season are just working on getting faster, really working on perfecting my approach/becoming more consistent with it, and just to continue working towards my outdoor PR, 5-6," Dufrene said. "A couple of things I've been working on at practice is really leaning in my curve and working on my plant foot position."
Dufrene is grateful. Grateful for the opportunity to be competing again. And grateful for the people who have supported her in her journey.
"It feels awesome to know how people want me to be successful and I feel great knowing people want me to be successful, and I feel great knowing how big my support system, including the Lord."
Dufrene will now advance to the ballot of MileSplit LA Girls Indoor Athlete of the Year in late February.