Missy Townsend Leads Prescott High School to New Heights… and Looks Forward to Continuing to Chase Greatness
By Tara Fort
In a landmark season for Prescott High School (PHS), the Girls Track and Field team made history in its 2025 season by securing the school’s first-ever girls state championship title. The athletes themselves and the steadfast leadership of Athletic Director Missy Townsend made the moment possible.
Missy has served Prescott Unified School District (PUSD) for 19 years, with the last 11 as Assistant Principal of Activities and Athletics. With this achievement, she is quick to share credit: “Coaches Michael Ziminsky and Austin Turner were the steady force behind Prescott High School’s historic Girls Track and Field State Championship this past season. Their leadership went far beyond the track, helping to instill confidence, resilience, and unity in every athlete. They did this through their work ethic, encouragement, and dedication outside of the season to help every athlete who wanted to be the best reach their full potential.”
She added, “The commitment and unwavering spirit of our Girls Track and Field team have set a new standard of excellence for sports in our district. I could not be more proud of the way they have represented Prescott with grit, perseverance and heart.”
Townsend isn’t new to coaching success, but this state championship is a standout. Under Townsend’s guidance along with the head coaches, the team excelled across all events. PUSD Superintendent Clark Tenney—formerly a PHS track coach—commended the team. “I am so pleased and proud of the success our State Champion Girls Track and Field Team had this year! So much credit goes to the athletes, their parents and dedicated coaches. But we also need to highlight the role Missy Townsend plays. Under her leadership, our teams have enjoyed unprecedented levels of participation and success. Her vision truly sets Prescott High School apart.”
In her role, Townsend oversees 22 athletic programs, manages facilities, and evaluates both the social studies and Career and Technical Education departments. “The best part of my job is working with a wide range of people—students, staff, coaches, parents, community members—and helping create events everyone can be proud of,” she said.
With this season’s wins to look back on, Townsend is hopeful for the coming year. “As we turn the page to the 2025–2026 season, the bar has never been higher—and neither has our belief in what’s possible. With the heart, grit, and leadership that defines Prescott Athletics we’re ready to chase greatness all over again.”
Beyond the athletic department, Townsend wears many hats as a mother of six, grandmother of five, avid hiker, and lifelong learner who loves to read. She’s also active at the state and national level, serving on multiple executive boards for athletic administrators. Townsend’s leadership has shaped a generation of athletes, and this year’s championship is a true representation of what is possible when passion, persistence and people come together. With Townsend at the helm of PHS athletics, its future will continue to shine.
For information about Missy Townsend, the Girls Track and Field Team, or Prescott Unified School District, visit https://prescottbadgers.com.
SIDEBAR TO ARTICLE:
Congratulations to these individuals who excelled at the Division III State Track and Field Meet!
Girls: Team – 1st place State Champions
Rylee Hobson – Javelin 1st Place State Champion
Kenzie Blanchard – 300m Hurdles 1st Place State Champion, 100m Hurdles 3rd Place
Violet Williams – 200m 1st Place State Champion, 800m 1st Place State Champion
Wylie Monnett, Aubrey Kitahata, Kenzie Blanchard, Violet Williams: 4×100 Relay & 4×400 Relay – 1st place State Champions
Wylie Monnett – 400m 2nd Place
Elizabeth Hlavacek – Pole Vault 4th Place
Aubrey Kitahata – 400m 6th Place