2023 NCAA DII Women’s Indoor Track & Field Rating Index – Week 7
NEW ORLEANS – And then there was one.
Here is the Pre-Championships release of the NCAA Division II Women’s Indoor Track & Field National TFRI, as released on Monday by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). Only marks from the current season are being used, which gives an objective look at those teams who are expected to compete for podium spots at the 2023 NCAA DII Indoor Track & Field Championships this weekend in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
NCAA Division II — Women's Indoor Track & Field
This Week's National Top Five
1
Minnesota State
Minnesota State
2
West Texas A&M
West Texas A&M
3
Adams State
Adams State
4
Grand Valley State
Grand Valley State
5
Pittsburg State
Pittsburg State
All TFRI Reports
Top-ranked Minnesota State is the clear favorite to win its second-straight national title. The Mavericks, which brings 19 entries with them to the meet, have eight that rank among the national top-10, including five national-leading marks. Three of those belong to Denisha Cartwright in the 60 meters (7.23), 200 meters (23.43) and 60-meter hurdles (8.07). Other national-leading marks are by Makayla Jackson in the long jump (6.37m/20-10¾) and Lexie Hurst in the shot put (16.91m/55-5¾). Cartwright and Jackson could possibly contribute 61 points to the Mavericks’ total by themselves.
West Texas A&M is ranked second heading into the NCAA Championships with 16 entries. The Lady Buffs will be led by Eleonora Curtabbi, who is the national leader in both the mile (4:40.56) and 3000 meters (9:08.10). The Lady Buffs have two other athletes with top-5 national billings in multiple events: Florence Uwajeneza is ranked fourth in the 3000 meters and 5000 meters; Taylor Nelloms is ranked second in the triple jump and fourth in the high jump.
Adams State is third in the Pre-Championships edition of the National TFRI with all of its 17 entries in the distance events. The Grizzlies’ lone national-leading mark is by the Distance Medley Relay (11:15.11). Stephanie Cotter and Brianna Robles, who are on that top-ranked relay, are seeded well in their respective events: Cotter is ranked second in the mile; Robles is ranked second in the 5000 meters and third in the 3000 meters. Pay close attention to the 3000 meters, as the Grizzlies have four athletes ranked among the top-10.
Grand Valley State heads to Virginia Beach ranked fourth. The Lakers may not have a national-leading mark among their 14 entries, but have eight that rank among the national top-10. Taryn Chapko holds a pair of No. 2 billings in the 800 meters (2:07.89) and as part of the Lakers’ Distance Medley Relay (11:18.68). In the throws, Emma Richards and Judith Essemiah are ranked third in the shot put and weight throw, respectively.
Fifth-ranked Pittsburg State will have 12 entries for the Championships. The Gorillas have eight of them ranked in the national top-10, including two national-leading efforts: Kyla Davis in the pole vault (4.20m/13-9¼); Auna Childress in the triple jump (13.16m/43-2¼). Audreanae Hagan (60-meter hurdles) and Erica Schamel (high jump) are also ranked No. 3 in their respective events.
Here are the rest of the top-10 teams in the Pre-Championships National TFRI: No. 6 Winona State, No. 7 Angelo State, No. 8 Azusa Pacific, No. 9 Colorado School of Mines and No. 10 Academy of Art.
