Even though she is just a sophomore in high school, Frankfort Lincoln-Way East standout Alaina Steele is no stranger to high-pressure situations that result in successful outcomes. Starting as a youth with the Legacy Track Club, Steele has competed in various national-level meets. She completed her middle-school career by winning the IESA state 400m title.
Fast forward to 2024.
Steele quietly moved around during her freshman season, advancing to state in the 3A 400 and 4x400 relay. After finishing fourth in the former with a time of 56.75, Steele had one final obstacle to overcome.
Ali Ince vs Alaina Steele
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It was the final event of the state championship, the 4x400 relay, in which the faithful stood strong and proud. It was the last race for the superstar Ali Ince, and like many times before, her Normal Community squad was in the deficit with just one leg remaining.
So it came down to the final leg of the 2024 girls' state championship. The 1A, 2A, and 3A team titles were completed. This one was simply for pride. If Normal Community is victorious, it's one last notch in Ince's historic career.
Steele took the baton anchor of the "Showstopper" and was off with a two-second advantage over Ince. Poised, Steele did not panic and go out too fast in the first 100 or even the 200. She must have sensed Ince's exploits in this particular scenario.
As predicted, the then-future Oregon Duck quickly separated from a jumbled pack and chased after Steele like a state trooper in high pursuit.
Ince inched next to Steele deep inside the home straight, the crowd on its collective feet, and like many times before, could they provide a final spark for the Steel Women to pull out another state title?
No. Ince's valiant effort, a sizzling 54.41 tote, was not enough. Steele's resolve was harder than steel, and she gave her teammates a victory that would go down in IHSA lore. The outcome was 3:50.73 to 3:50.80.
More to come for Steele in the following years-
So far, so good for Steele as she closed the indoor season with a personal 55.68 at the Illinois Indoor Championships, taking second place to arguably the best quarter-miler (and former future star) in the state, Kankakee senior Naomi Bey-Osborne.
Finally, in a final outro with a tired smile, was another rock-solid finish in the 4x4 for the Griffins. It was a record-breaking performance, 3:53.48, seasoned with a 55.21 carry, the fastest time ever indoors by an Illinois quartet.
Congratulations to Alaina Steele, and wishing her the best for years to come!