Two Saint Lucian track and field athletes delivered groundbreaking performances at NCAA national collegiate indoor championships over the weekend, setting new benchmarks for their country despite not reaching the podium.
Joy Edward, representing the University of Charleston Golden Eagles, achieved a remarkable eighth-place finish in the women’s shot put at the NCAA Division II Championships. The Talvern, Babonneau native shattered her own national record with a massive throw of 15.48 meters – an improvement of nearly half a meter from her previous best. This performance earned her First Team All-American honors, a prestigious recognition in collegiate athletics.
Edward, a senior transfer from Troy University, entered the competition ranked 14th nationally but surpassed expectations with her history-making throw at the Virginia Beach Sports Center. Her fourth attempt marked the first time she had ever exceeded 50 feet, simultaneously extending her school record.
Meanwhile, Jenneil Jacobie made history for East Texas A&M University as the institution’s first athlete to compete at the NCAA Division I Indoor Track & Field Championships. The junior from Grande Riviere, Gros Islet placed 16th in the women’s high jump, clearing 1.74 meters at the Randal Tyson Track Center. The Corinth Secondary graduate was one of only two Southland Conference competitors across all events to qualify for this year’s Indoor National Championships.
Jacobie successfully cleared her height on the second attempt but was unable to conquer the next bar set at 1.80 meters. The event was ultimately won by Texas Tech’s Temitope Adeshina, who cleared 1.97 meters to claim the national title.
Both athletes now turn their attention to the outdoor season, with Edward expected to take a redshirt year, meaning she will not compete under her school’s banner during the upcoming campaign.
The weekend also saw several other Saint Lucian athletes achieving notable results across various meets:
– Narlia Albert placed 12th in the 100m (13.85) at the Lloyd Sigler Spring Meet
– Maiya Landers finished 10th in the 800m (2:26.14) and 8th in the 400m (59.74) at the Grizzly Relays
– Raelyn Cyril won the 400m (56.83) at the Grizzly Relays
– Shamael Durand placed 3rd in shot put (12.96m) and 6th in discus (43.88m) at the UTA Invitational
– Naya Jules earned two 3rd-place finishes in pole vault (3.04m) and javelin (36.48m) at the Dean Pryor Invitational