2023 NCAA DII Women’s Outdoor Track & Field Rating Index – Week 1
NEW ORLEANS – Here is Week 1 of the NCAA Division II Women’s Outdoor Track & Field National Rating Index, as released on Tuesday 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 looking to contend as teams begin their trek towards the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field National Championships in Pueblo, Colorado, from May 25-27.
NCAA Division II — Women's Outdoor Track & Field
This Week's National Top Five
1
Grand Valley State
Grand Valley State
2
Azusa Pacific
Azusa Pacific
3
West Texas A&M
West Texas A&M
4
Angelo State
Angelo State
5
Missouri Southern
Missouri Southern
All TFRI Reports
Grand Valley State leads the nation early in the outdoor season, according to the Week 1 TFRI. The Lakers have 13 top-5 performances so far, spread across eight different events. They feature a whopping five national-leading performances, including dominance across distance disciplines seen in the 1500 meters by Klaudia O’Malley (4:19.43), in the steeplechase by Natalie Graber (10:24.54)), and in the 5000 meters by Lauren Kiley (16.28.17). They also feature national-leading marks in both the discus throw by Margaret Stevenson (49.76m/163-3) and in the hammer throw by Judith Essemiah (62.29m/204-5).
Azusa Pacific enters the season at the No. 2 position on the TFRI. The Cougars own six top-5 individual marks, in addition to a No. 2 4×400 relay (3:41.99) and a No. 3 4×100 relay (45.83). Jaylah Walker is their sole national leader, holding the No. 1 mark in the 400-meter hurdles (59.52), as well as the No. 3 mark in the 100 hurdles (13.89w), the No. 9 mark in the 200 (24.21) and the No. 10 mark in the 400 meters (55.72). The Cougars added a pair of No. 2s in Esther Conde-Turpin’s 100 hurdles effort (13.60) and in Alayna Verner’s 400-meter effort (53.87).
West Texas A&M opens their season at the No. 3 position on the TFRI. The Buffs have 8 top-5 individual marks, in addition to a nation leading 4×100 relay (44.98c). Their only national leader early in the season is Brooke Urban in the high jump (1.71mA/5-7¼). They feature three top-10 marks in the 100 meters, led by Deondra Green (11.57c) in the No. 4 spot and Leah Belfield (11.60c) in the No. 5 spot, alongside Alana Wilson (11.74c) at No. 9.
Angelo State kicks off their outdoor campaign coming in at the No. 4 spot. The Rams own two top-5 individual marks, coupled with a No. 1 4×400 relay (3:39.42). Shadae Findley is their only national leader, with a 53.42c effort in the 400 meter. She’s joined by Shiean Walters (53.91c) at No. 3 and Zykia McDaniels (54.94c) at No. 7 in the 400 for three efforts in the top-10.
Missouri Southern rounds out the top-5 at No. 5 in Week 1. The Lions have a pair of national-leading marks: Kiara Smith in the 100 (13.51) and Keilee Johnson in the javelin (49.72m/163-2).
Here are the rest of the top-10 teams in the Week 1 TFRI: No. 6 Cal Poly Pomona, No. Harding, No. 8 Academy of Art, No. 9 Fresno Pacific and No. 10 Central Missouri.
