BYU women’s track and field team qualified 33 entries to the NCAA West Preliminary Round in Fayetteville, Arkansas, according to a May 21 announcement from the NCAA.
The number of entries highlights the team’s continued presence at the regional level. Combined with the men’s team, BYU secured a total of 59 entries, marking the eleventh time both programs have surpassed fifty combined qualifiers for this round.
The preliminary competition is scheduled for Thursday, May 28 and Saturday, May 30. The list of athletes includes Carmen Alder in the 1500 meters, Zoey Bonds in both heptathlon and 100-meter hurdles (with an advancement to the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships), Tessa Buswell in the 800 meters, Kat Beachler in javelin throw, Cailee Faulkner in pole vault, Kaiah Fisher in discus throw, Carlee Hansen-Thompson in the 1500 meters, Jane Hedengren and Jenna Hutchins each entered for both the 5000- and 10,000-meter events.
Other competitors include Lia Katoa (hammer throw), Alysa Keller (javelin throw), Taylor Lovell (3000-meter steeplechase), Zariel Macchia (1500 meters), Addie Meldrum (3000-meter steeplechase), Kali McEuen (100- and 400-meter hurdles), Kylie Olsen (800 meters), Anne Elise Packard (800 meters), Raygan Peterson (3000-meter steeplechase) and Lia Pili competing in shot put as well as hammer throw. Additional names on BYU’s roster are Paje Rasmussen for sprints; Nelah Roberts for distance; Taylor Rohatinsky; Abbie Scott; Krystie Solomon-Jensen; Mayci Taylor; River White; along with relay teams BYU4x100m and BYU4x400m.
This year’s achievement continues a pattern of strong showings by BYU at regional meets. With several athletes entered across multiple events including distance races, sprints, hurdles and field competitions such as pole vault or javelin throw, expectations remain high for further advancement into national championship rounds.
