News Summary

Talented track star Clara Adams is making a name for herself as she transfers from North Salinas High School to Watsonville High for the 2025-26 school year. Known for her record-breaking performances, Clara has set her sights on new records in Santa Cruz County, while also boasting an impressive academic record. With the support of her new track coach and a recent NIL deal, Clara is poised for a bright future in both athletics and academics.

Watsonville Welcomes Track Sensation Clara Adams to Its High School Team

In an exciting twist for local sports fans, Clara Adams, the track star from Monterey County known for her remarkable speed and record-breaking performances, is set to make a big move. She’ll be transferring from North Salinas High School to Watsonville High for the upcoming 2025-26 school year. As she readies to don the colors of the Wildcatz, Clara is eager to leave her mark on the track field and is aiming for even greater heights.

A Record-Setting Career

Adams has already cemented her place in track history. In May of this year, she shattered the record in the 400-meter race at the Central Coast Section Track and Field Championships, clocking in at an impressive 53.23 seconds. Shortly afterward, at the West Coast National Championship held in Sparks, Nevada, she set an extraordinary benchmark in the 200-meter race with a time of 23.42 seconds.

But that’s not all. Clara has her sights set on breaking records in Santa Cruz County, namely the long-standing records held by Maggie Vessey from 2000, which are 24.43 seconds in the 200 and 54.60 seconds in the 400. With her remarkable talent and competitive spirit, many believe she has what it takes to beat those times.

A Rough Ending at North Salinas

CIF State Track and Field Championships after a triumphant finish in the 400-meter race. Why? It all came down to her celebration—a playful (but deemed inappropriate) moment where she sprayed a fire extinguisher on her shoes, mimicking a well-known celebration by beloved American sprinter Maurice Greene.

This unexpected twist left Clara and her dad, David Adams, contemplating legal actions against the CIF. The disqualification generated a mix of emotions, but the Adams family sees it as part of the greater journey they’re on together.

New Goals and Support at Watsonville

As she transitions to Watsonville High, Clara is looking forward to joining the Wildcatz track team in the spring of 2026. The track coach there, Rob Cornett, has expressed complete support for Clara, promising to help her succeed as she continues to chase her dreams.

In addition to her athletic prowess, Clara has a stellar academic record, boasting a GPA of 3.88. She has attracted interest from prestigious universities like the University of Miami, UCLA, Princeton, and the University of Utah, showcasing her talent both on the track and in the classroom.

A Bright Future Ahead

In an exciting turn of events, Clara has also signed a five-figure NIL (name, image, and likeness) deal with former NFL player, Adam “Pacman” Jones. This partnership not only boosts her standing in the sports community but also lays a foundation for a prosperous future in athletics.

Recently, she impressed everyone by winning the 200-meter race at the California State Games with a time of 24.34 seconds. It’s clear she has no intention of slowing down and prefers to compete in high school track rather than divert her attention to other activities.

Aiming High and Looking Forward

While the Adams family is focused on athletics, David has also secured a new position as Watsonville’s junior varsity football head coach, where he’ll also contribute as a sprints coach. They’re making this move not just for Clara’s athletic career but also to ensure she has access to quality college prep courses.

While her former principal at North Salinas expressed sadness over Clara’s exit, it’s evident that this move represents a new chapter for Clara Adams. With a combination of talent, intelligence, and community support, Clara is determined to overcome challenges and reaffirm her place as a track superstar.

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