Three standout athletes from the local Do Great Things (DGT) Track Club have earned coveted spots at the 2025 AAU Junior Olympic Games, set to take place this summer in Houston, Texas.
Ava Van Slooten, competing in the 12U division, accomplished one of the most challenging feats in youth track & field — qualifying for the Junior Olympics in all three of her events: the 800 meters, 1500 meters, and the demanding 3000 meters. This is Ava’s second trip to the Junior Olympics — last year she and her teammate Isaiah, son of DGT founder and head coach Chris Meaux, competed together in Greensboro, NC, after both qualified in distance events. Ava’s journey with the team began when Coach Chris heard about her speed from his son Isaiah, who just missed qualifying this year at the West Coast Nationals. Isaiah came home one day and told his dad that Ava, a girl in his class, was running just as far and fast as he did in their PE pacer test. Knowing Isaiah’s talent, Chris knew she had to be on the team if what he heard was true — and when Ava showed up, the hidden talent was clear. The rest is history. Ava’s unstoppable drive and fierce work ethic have made her one of the club’s brightest young stars.
Noelle Houston, competing in the 14U division, is proof that sometimes the right moment can change everything. A first-year high jumper, Noelle met Coach Chris by chance while shopping at a local CVS with her mom. A casual conversation turned into an invitation to come try out for the team — and now instead of wondering what to do this summer, Noelle will be flying high at the Junior Olympics, thanks to her raw talent, dedication, and her decision to show up at a DGT practice — putting her faith into that chance meeting.
Mia Chiari, also in the 14U division, is another first-year athlete whose journey began when she saw how much her brother loved being part of the DGT team. Inspired to lace up her own spikes, Mia quickly proved she has the speed and heart to match — earning her spot at the Junior Olympics in the 3000 meters, one of the toughest distance events in youth track. Her drive and grit have made her a rising star in her own right.
The AAU Junior Olympic Games, first held in 1967, have grown into the largest national multi-sport event for youth athletes in the United States — bringing together thousands of the best young competitors each year. For these three local athletes, it’s a chance to compete on one of the biggest youth stages in the country, surrounded by the best of the best.
The Do Great Things Track Club, part of the broader Do Great Things brand, is more than just a team — it’s a community dedicated to helping kids discover their gifts, build confidence, and learn life lessons that stick with them long after the race is over. Led by founder Chris Meaux — a former collegiate runner for the University of Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns — and supported by coaches like Coach Lauren Ambeau, a former Texas A&M athlete, and Coach Ryan Van Slooten, a long-time runner and Spartan Race Champion, the DGT Track Club combines experience, passion, and mentorship to help young athletes push limits, aim higher, and lift each other up every step of the way.
This summer, Ava Van Slooten, Noelle Houston, and Mia Chiari will represent that spirit — showing that when you put in the work, say yes to opportunities, and support each other, you really can Do Great Things.
The entire community is invited to follow their journey and cheer them on as they chase new personal bests, national medals, and memories to last a lifetime.
To learn more about the Do Great Things Track Club, upcoming events, or how to get involved, visit www.dogreatthingstoday.com.
