Tomball High School senior Naomi Booker, already crowned the UIL 6A 100-meter and 300-meter hurdle champion, solidified her status as one of the nation’s elite hurdlers by capturing gold at the prestigious Great Southwest Classic, adding another major highlight to an already standout season.
Held June 5–7 at the University of New Mexico’s track and field stadium, the Great Southwest Classic featured top-tier athletes across several states. Booker impressively rose to the occasion. She claimed first in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 13.75, placed first in the shuttle hurdle relay with a 55.80 and took third in the 400-meter hurdles with a personal-best 59.47.
“It felt amazing,” said Booker. “I felt accomplished knowing that I had worked hard to earn first place. In that moment, I knew that all of the sacrifices I had made were worth it. I would have never made it there if it weren’t for my amazing support system. My family, coaches and friends have always been there for me and pushed me to be my best. Ultimately, I felt grateful to God for blessing me with talent and allowing me to use that for His plan.”
Currently ranked No. 4 nationally under all conditions and No. 5 for wind-legal times in the 100-meter hurdles, Booker faced off against several familiar names from the Texas track scene, including Zoe Williams (Fort Bend Marshall), Kelly Frederick (Humble Summer Creek) and Phoenix Phillips (also from Humble Summer Creek).
“Zoe, Kelly and Phoenix are not only amazing teammates who challenge me every day but are also amazing friends,” said Booker. “I was calm coming into my races and just ready to give my best. I had a lot of fun competing with my teammates at the Great Southwest meet.”
The Great Southwest Classic focuses solely on high school athletes and draws talent from several states, including Texas, Arizona, California, Missouri, Utah, Florida, Colorado and Tennessee.
“Being able to race against tough competition from other states definitely helps with exposure, but also helps me stay grounded in the things I need to improve on,” said Booker.
According to her trainer, Devin Noel, who works with Hurdlenomics Training Group, Booker’s success stems from her natural ability and relentless work ethic and attention to detail.
“Naomi is truly a student of the event,” said Noel. “Some athletes are ok with just winning. Naomi truly wants to understand how to win and the why behind it all. Being coachable is her biggest x-factor to pair with so many other natural talents. She truly wants to perfect her craft and will do whatever it takes to achieve that goal.”
Coach Noel outlined the team’s focus this season: technique, flat speed and confidence.
“When we started the season, we knew there were some technical things that we wanted to fix in order to truly reach our potential and be efficient through both hurdle races,” said Noel. “Flat speed was something she hadn’t focused on in prior seasons, but she was eager to improve. The last piece was confidence. I knew if I could get her to truly believe in herself and display confidence at all times, she would be able to reach any goal she set.”
Booker’s off-the-track improvements have played a critical role in her development. By refining her nutrition, committing to weight training and improving her recovery routines, she’s seen major gains, particularly in the 400-meter hurdles, where she dropped her time from 1:04.85 to 59.47.
“Previously, I was training with Performance Hurdling, but I wasn’t following any diet plan,” said Booker. “Now I mainly focus on drinking a minimum of 50 ounces of water a day, eating three meals a day, drinking electrolytes before, during and after practice, having protein in every meal, eating fruit, cutting out processed and unhealthy foods and drinks and focusing heavily on meet day nutrition.”
Up next for Booker is the New Balance Nationals Outdoor, set for June 19–22 at the University of Pennsylvania. Though she has yet to commit to a college, her resume is making waves across the recruiting landscape.
Whichever university earns her signature will gain not just an elite athlete but a disciplined, driven competitor destined to shine on any stage.
About Naomi Booker:
Class: 2026
IG: @naomi.p.booker
Events: 100-meter hurdles, 300-meter hurdles, 400-meter hurdles
Height & weight: 5-feet-4, 120 pounds
Favorite artist: Rihanna
Status: Uncommitted
Favorite subjects: History
Shout-outs: Mom, Dad, Sister and Coach Devin Noel
