1. Virginia Pedersoli, Amphitheater

If you stick to the numbers, Pedersoli has no Tucson equal in on-field performance. In 1991, 1992 and 1993, she won state championships at 800 meters, 1600 meters and 3200 meters. (She also won back-to-back state cross country championships). All were accomplished in the 5A classification, the largest in Arizona at the time. In ’93, Pedersoli’s time in the 1,600 meters was No. 5 in the United States. She signed with Arizona but chose to get married and have a baby her freshman season, working part-time as a custodian to help her family’s finances. Pedersoli became a useful member of UA track and cross country teams. 

Back to homepage

Subscriber Login

Keep reading with a digital access subscription.

Subscribe now