Sports

Michaela Edenfield's makeup is her competitive advantage

Published

7 months ago

May 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Michaela Edenfield's makeup is her competitive advantage

Alyssa Haduck

May 14, 2025, 08:31 AM ET

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — “If you know the time, you know the vibe,” Florida State softball catcher Michaela Edenfield tells her nearly 126,000 TikTok followers at the start of her game day videos. “It’s time to do some razzle dazzle on my eyes.”

This is Edenfield’s cue to fans that she’s about to bring her creative vision to life. With makeup as her medium, she is an artist at work, recording and sharing “get ready with me” videos that have accumulated hundreds of thousands of views and more than 4 million likes.

Edenfield uses palettes of candy-colored eyeshadows, small pots of face paint, tubes of liquid glitter, and occasionally, some rhinestones, to deliver dramatic looks fit for the stage.

Or in her case, the field.

“It’s the mental preparation behind closed doors,” she explained, “and every high-level athlete has their own way of finding that.”

The 6-foot-1 redshirt senior is FSU’s starting catcher and a key contributor at-bat, sitting third in the program’s career home run standings (52). But for all of Edenfield’s success as a player, it’s the “razzle-dazzle” she brings to the diamond that has truly captivated the softball community.

This artistry has become an essential part of her pregame routine.

Michaela Edenfield has over 125,500 followers on TikTok and 54,400 followers on Instagram. ESPN”Makeup’s very satisfying, and it takes away from the pressure of the anxiety building up,” she told ESPN.Edenfield and the Seminoles are now gearing up for the NCAA softball tournament. As the No. 5 overall seed, they have secured home-field advantage for the next two rounds. FSU’s quest to the 2025 Women’s College World Series begins on Friday against Robert Morris (2:30 p.m. ET, ACC Network) in the Tallahassee Regional.

Edenfield’s game day preparations will begin — as they long have — with makeup. Makeup once served as Edenfield’s “war paint,” protecting her from bullies and societal beauty standards. Today, it is just one of the many ways she embraces her individuality.

“It took me a while to translate ‘different’ into ‘unique,'” Edenfield said. “Owning the word ‘unique’ has really changed my mindset, both on the field and in my daily, personal life.”

THOUGH THE TOWN of Sneads, Florida, is an easy one-hour drive from Tallahassee, it feels a world apart. Towering pines give way to a community that constitutes just 4.4 square miles of the forested Florida panhandle. Sneads is bisected by Route 90, but cars cross gently with the help of a few blinking yellow traffic lights.

In the spring, a large share of Sneads’ 1,700 residents make their way to the local ballfields at the edge of town. The local park is flooded with athletes of all ages, throwing, catching, hitting and running. Members of the Edenfield family once did the same.

Edenfield’s mom, Tami Powell, and older sister, Aliesha, both played softball. Her aunt Teresa Fecteau even competed for the Florida State team from 1997 through 2000. But during Edenfield’s earliest years, she favored the artistic over the athletic.

“I refused to have dirt in between my fingers,” she said.

Edenfield grew up with a close relationship to her grandparents and was influenced by their creativity. Her grandfather, Roy, had a passion for photography, and her grandmother, Mary, owned a quilt shop in town. Soon, she was learning to paint, sew and play the piano. One year, she participated in the Little Miss Sneads pageant, wearing a pink lace dress made by her grandmother. Usually, however, Edenfield found herself on her own.

“As a little girl, I felt kind of discriminated against,” she said. Edenfield is biracial; her mom is white, and she does not have a relationship with her dad, who is Black.

Editor’s Picks2 Related”I was too white to be Black, too Black to be white,” she said.Edenfield says she was being bullied as early as kindergarten. She specifically remembers being picked on for her hair. One day, she said, a group of kids threw Little Debbie snacks at her on the bus. It was an experience she endured alone. “How do you explain to your mom why you have Zebra Cake in your hair?” she said.As Edenfield grew up, the bullying continued. But she didn’t let it stop her.At around 10 years old, her competitive nature conquered her distaste for dirt. She started playing softball because she wanted to be a better pitcher than her sister. But Edenfield ultimately ended up finding her home behind the plate, training as a catcher. Here, she began to feel a sense of belonging.”Sport was that special escape for me because it felt like I had found a community,” Edenfield said.But a few hours on the field wasn’t enough to rid her of insecurities sown by repeated rejection.”IF YOU CAN’T love yourself, how in the hell are you going to love somebody else?” RuPaul Charles asks at the end of each episode of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”The mantra reached a young Edenfield via YouTube, when she started seeing clips of the show online. As the drag queens donned their head-to-toe looks and competed in performance challenges, Edenfield admired their confidence.”They just exude this natural charm,” she said. “And I wanted that as a kid.”Shortly after starting softball, she began experimenting with makeup inspired by contestants on the show. She remembers one of her earliest looks: cobalt blue eyeshadow to match her polo and purse. It wasn’t long before she was wearing makeup on the field, too.But instead of learning to love herself, as RuPaul preached, Edenfield said she used makeup as a “crutch,” with her primary goal being to fit in.”I always secluded myself and almost doubted everything I did in life,” she said.Edenfield on her signing day with her grandfather (left) and mother (right). Michaela EdenfieldWhile the drag queens offered virtual support, she had another ally much closer to home: her grandfather. “He just wanted to instill confidence in me,” she said, “and he did so in [his] actions.”Edenfield and her grandfather made countless trips to Tallahassee for training clinics at Florida State. He also helped build her a hitting post — a tire nailed to a four-by-four cemented into the ground. She quickly developed into a dual-threat player, powering her team’s offense at the plate while guiding its defense behind it.By the time she got to high school, Edenfield had come into her own. In 2019, at the end of her junior year, she helped lead Sneads High School’s softball team to its first state championship game. Her senior year, she was named homecoming queen, and a few weeks later, on Nov. 22, she committed to Florida State.”I wish I could have gone back in time to tell little Michaela that it was going to be just fine,” she said. “Eventually, you’re going to find your own confidence around the people that matter the most.”THE FLORIDA STATE coaching staff had been familiar with Edenfield — and her interest in makeup — for years.”It was crazy,” coach Lonni Alameda said of some of the more experimental looks Edenfield would wear to clinics as a young player. “But who doesn’t grow in their fashion and their makeup as they go through it?”By the time Edenfield began her freshman year at Florida State, she had settled into a makeup routine. Everything else in her life, however, had turned upside down.In July 2020, a few weeks before school started, Edenfield’s grandfather passed away, and in September, she contracted COVID-19. After testing positive for the virus, she had to undergo heart testing per the university’s requirements for athletes at the time. Per the Tallahassee Democrat, a heart murmur that hadn’t previously been detected showed up on her echocardiogram exam.

She expected to create new relationships with her teammates, but health and safety protocol kept her from team activities that fall.

Without the opportunity to show her skills, she said she began to doubt what a small-town softball player like her could contribute to a program that had won the national championship just two years prior.

“Sport was no longer my escape,” she said.

Edenfield described the experience as an “identity crisis.” She was forced to reopen some of her deepest wounds. After years of bullying and isolation, she had found her value on the softball field. But now, without it, she had to work to recognize that she still had worth.

Edenfield said Alameda was committed to helping her.

“Things are changing,” Alameda said of working with new players. “And if we don’t change and meet them where they’re at, and try to make them feel comfortable in the skin that they’re living in, then we lose the opportunity to connect with them.”

In time, Edenfield understood she was more than a softball player.

“I’m still myself even though I’m not holding a yellow ball and throwing it around with these girls,” she said.

That spring, when Edenfield could begin practicing with the group, she embraced the role of team player. She served as a bullpen catcher, supporting the pitchers who would compete.

Ahead of each game day, she’d ask one of them their favorite color, and then show up to the field wearing eyeshadow inspired by their response. As her redshirt season carried on, she became more adventurous with her makeup, sporting multi-color gradients and stick-on sparkles in the dugout.

Michaela Edenfield is about to embark on her final postseason with FSU softball. AP Photo/Gary McCulloughEdenfield’s looks went largely unnoticed in the Seminoles’ trip to the 2021 WCWS championship. But when she stepped in as starting catcher the following season, her makeup began to draw attention, though not all of it positive.”Trying too hard.””Lipstick on a pig.””Why is the coaching staff letting her do this?”Edenfield said these kinds of comments began appearing on social media amidst the many messages of praise and support. Alameda said she even received emails regarding the makeup. But as Edenfield’s looks got bigger and bolder, Alameda’s mindset never changed. She told her, “‘Michaela, wear the makeup. And I’ll be right there with you. Let’s journey this together.'”With the team’s support, Edenfield started posting behind-the-scenes videos of her pregame routine. First, get coffee; then, get glam. Dramatic smokey-eye and winged-liner looks evolved into miniature works of art, including tiny drawings and floral appliqués.Edenfield’s only guideline? “My face, my rules.”Makeup was no longer about fitting in; it was now Edenfield’s creative outlet and competitive advantage.”ALRIGHTY, Y’ALL. THIS is the final look,” Edenfield says as she presents her face to the camera.Her latest creations have been some of her most ambitious yet: the pink-and-purple-striped Cheshire Cat from “Alice in Wonderland,” intergalactic warfare from “Star Wars: Episode III,” and dreamy blue and yellow swirls from “The Starry Night,” the famous Vincent van Gogh painting.

Sometimes, Edenfield comes up with the ideas herself. Other times, they’re recommended by teammates. But many are requested by fans who treasure taking part in this ritual.

By the time the Seminoles returned to the WCWS championship in 2023, Edenfield had amassed a large following for both her athleticism and her artistry. Because she seemingly sent balls into orbit with her powerful swing, she also earned the nickname “Area 51” — a play on her jersey number.

Florida State lost to Oklahoma in the best-of-three series, as it did in 2021, but Edenfield had still made an indelible impact. Crowds of young girls, often in their own makeup looks, gathered after games for photos and autographs.

“She just kind of spreads to the team that it’s perfectly fine to just be yourself, and you don’t have to worry about what anybody else thinks,” said Jazzy Francik, a freshman pitcher who admired Edenfield before she even joined the Florida State team. “It just pushes that mold of you don’t have to just be good at one thing.”

Female athletes often face — perhaps to the highest degree — the many contradictions of modern womanhood: be confident, but not cocky; be engaged, but not emotional; be supportive, but not soft; be proud, but not pompous; be skillful, but not too strong.

And in Edenfield’s case, come to the field ready to compete, but don’t do it while wearing elaborate makeup.

Michaela Edenfield films “get ready with me” makeup videos for her thousands of followers each game day. ESPN”If you want to do some razzle dazzle, do some razzle dazzle,” Edenfield countered. “I think we’re allowed to be that way, and to feel feminine, and to want to show that piece, while we also can be very great, high-level athletes.”And when it comes to softball, Edenfield is among the best. She ranks second at FSU this season in RBIs (47) and sits at third in homers (nine). The Seminole was one of 12 college players drafted to the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), which will begin its inaugural season June 7. Before that, however, she will look to lead FSU back to Oklahoma City for the WCWS.

Through it all, she will continue showing up in show-stopping looks that fuel her performance on the field.

“It’s not about, ‘Makeup, hide me.’ It’s about, ‘Makeup, this is me,'” Alameda said. “And I think that’s really, really powerful.”

Today, Edenfield finds strength in vulnerability. She isn’t afraid to revisit dark moments if it means helping someone else discover self-love.

“Within all of this,” Edenfield said, “I have found my light.”

Sports

Men’s Track & Field: Stefanowicz Tops Hurdles Record at M City Classic

Published

11 minutes ago

December 6, 2025

Your Sports Nation

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The Macalester College men’s track & field team opened the 2026 indoor season at the M City Classic, hosted by the University of Minnesota on Friday. Senior Sebastian Stefanowicz (Portland, Ore./Valley Catholic) broke the school record in the 60-meter hurdles.

Stefanowicz finished fifth in the 60-meter hurdles behind three Division I athletes and an unattached runner with a time of 8.63. The performance betters the old record of 8.68, set by John Shepard ’01 in 1999. Senior Hamza Mahamud (Eden Prairie, Minn./Eden Prairie) finished seventh in 9.10. Stefanowicz also placed 12th in the 60-meter dash with a time of 7.15, which ranks sixth on Macalester’s all-time performance list.

In the 600 meters, seniors Henry Schonebaum (Faribault, Minn./Faribault) and Thomas Malecha (Faribault, Minn.) finished sixth and seventh, respectively. First year Aj Baehr (Columbia, Mo./Rock Bridge) took seventh in the 400 meters (51.18) in his first collegiate race.

In the field events, first year Alex Peters (Belle Plaine, Minn./Jordan) took fourth in the shot put with a mark of 12.55 meters (41-2.25) in his first competition as a Scot. Sophomore Ataa Mensah (St. Paul, Minn./Roseville) finished fourth in the triple jump with a leap of 12.77 meters (41-10.75), followed by first year Garner Miyagawa (Encinitas, Calif./San Dieguito Academy) in fifth with a mark of 12.26 (40-2.75).

Macalester resumes competition in January by hosting the Vanessa Seljeskog Classic on Jan. 24 in the Leonard Center Fieldhouse.

Click here for results.

Link

Sports

Tigers Win Seven Events at Birmingham Icebreaker

Published

27 minutes ago

December 6, 2025

Your Sports Nation

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Memphis track and field opened its 2025-26 indoor season with a strong showing on Friday at the Birmingham CrossPlex, earning seven event wins—the most of any team in the field.

Gizel Clayton captured the women’s 60-meter hurdles (8.43) title for the second straight year, while Alex Bobak won the mile (4:15.97) for the first time in his career, setting a personal best in the process. Poorna Raorane also took home a victory in the shot (14.65m) put after finishing third at last year’s meet.

Courtland Noble won the 400m (48.55) making his second career victory in this event.

The Tigers recorded 10 top-five finishes, including sophomore Trinity Brown, who placed second and set a PR in the triple jump (11.91m).

Memphis athletes combined for 21 personal records, the most in a single meet since Feb. 15, 2025, at the Bulldog Open and Invite.

A full list of today’s six wins, top-five finishes and PRs can be found below. Comprehensive meet results can be found in the link above.

Tigers will be back in action in the new year, opening 2026 at the Bob Teel Invitational in Columbus, Missouri, on January 24.

Wins

Gizel Clayton, Women’s 60mH, 8.43

Alex Bobak, Men’s One Mile, 4:15.97

Poorna Raorane, Women’s Shot Put, 14.65m

Oageng Mdlela, Men’s Triple Jump, 15.16m

Kaseiana Meriweather, Women’s 200m, 24.08

Courtland Noble, Men’s 400m, 48.55

Meghan Porterfield, Women’s Weight Throw, 17.49m

Top Finishes (Top 5)

Kaseiana Meriweather, 2^nd, Women’s 60m, 7.49

Destiny Jenkins, 4^th, Women’s 60m, 7.55

Jazmyn James, 2^nd, Women’s Shot Put, 13.88m

Meghan Porterfield, 3^rd, Women’s Shot Put, 13.30m

Jean Yves Thiemble Marco, 3^rd, Men’s Long Jump, 7.20m

Kouto Anyika, 4^th, Men’s 300m, 33.95

Alexandra Allen, 2^nd, Women’s 400m, 56.61

Judy Elful, 3^rd, Women’s 400m, 56.95

Lilith Stenger, 2^nd, Women’s High Jump, 1.60m

Trinity Brown, 2^nd, Women’s Triple Jump, 11.91m

Tristian Robinson, 2^nd, Men’s Weight Throw, 17.55m

Natalie Albert, 2^nd, Women’s Weight Throw, 17.21m

Dajuan Montague, 2^nd, Men’s High Jump, 2.10m

PRs

Elizabeth Markwell, Women’s 3000m, 11:10.48

Brooke Doyle, Women’s 3000m, 11:44.71

Jackson Turner, Men’s 3000m, 9:03.57

Jay Prettyman, Men’s 3000m, 9:12.56

Jagger Noel, Men’s 3000m, 9:19.46

Kaseiana Meriweather, Women’s 60m, 7.49

Destiny Jenkins, Women’s 60m, 7.55

Alex Bobak, Men’s One Mile, 4:15.97

Urko Extebeste, Men’s One Mile, 4:28.33

Resse Martin, Women’s 1000m, 3:10.96

Shantel Reed, Women’s 300m, 42.22

Kouto Anyika, Men’s 300m, 33.95

Bryson Wilson, Men’s 300m, 34.47

Jonathan Bunch Jr., Men’s 300m, 36.70

Alexandra Allen, Women’s 400m, 56.61

Lilith Stenger, Women’s High Jump, 1.60m

Trinity Brown, Women’s Triple Jump, 11.91m

Tristian Robinson, Men’s Weight Throw, 17.55m

Amri White, Men’s Weight Throw, 15.70m

Zion Smith, Women’s Long Jump, 5.15m

Dajuan Montague, Men’s High Jump, 2.10m

How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tiger Cross Country and Track & Field, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team’s social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Link

Sports

Liston Breaks 5K School Record, Track & Field Starts Indoor Season Strong

Published

43 minutes ago

December 6, 2025

Your Sports Nation

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – In their first meet in 195 days, the men’s and women’s track and field teams started strong at the MSU Chuck Peterson Open and M City Classic, with Molly Liston setting a school record in the 5000-meter and multiple top-five finishes against Division I, II, and III opponents at the M City Classic.

Head Coach Aaron Lund elected to send Liston to the Chuck Peterson Open, hosted by MSU-Mankato, with the goal of setting the school record in the 5000m, fresh off of a cross country season where she finished 41st at the NCAA Championships, just one spot away from All-American honors. It was clear that the heartbreak in Spartansburg, South Carolina fueled Liston, who crushed the previous school record of 17:30.02, set in 2006 by Kourtney Joyce, with a time of 17:11.07. The Richfield native maintained record-setting pace throughout the race, running 1000m times of 3:24.98, 3:25.29, 3:27.42, 3:29.41, and 3:23.97 to break the record.

The other nine women for Gustavus traveled to Minneapolis to compete at the M City Classic, hosted by the University of Minnesota. Maddox Lee competed in the pentathlon for the Gusties, scoring 2455 to finish 16th, including tying a personal record in the high jump, clearing 1.44m. On the track, McKenzie Luetmer set her personal record with a time of 8.22 in the 60-meter, as the only person who ran the race for Gustavus. In the 60-meter hurdles, three Gusties advanced to the finals after qualifying in the prelims. In the finals, all three Gustavus women ran faster times than their prelim times, where sophomore Kayla Kajer set a personal record with a time of 9.64, first-year Sophia Vogel ran a time of 9.72, and sophomore Emily Podulke finished just a second slower with a time of 9.73 to finish sixth, seventh, and eighth, respectively. Sophomore Teagan Stark was the only entrant for the Gustie women in the 400-meter, running a time of 1:05.26 to finish third in the event and classmate Ella Kienitz was the only entrant in the 600-meter, crossing the finish line in a time of 1:47.79. Two Gustavus women ran in the 300-meter, with Lauren Rocheford finishing in 11th with a time of 45.13 and Podulke with a time of 46.55. Luetmer and Vogel competed in the 200-meter, completing in times of 27.53 and 28.64 respectively. In the field, first-year Kaylee Hawks and Kajer both reached heights of 1.55m, good for second at the M City Classic.

On the men’s side, first-year Amos Anderson started the season for the Gusties, running in the 60-meter prelims, placing 36th with a time of 7.71. In the 400-meter, first-year Luke Scheel led the Gustavus contingent with a time of 52.00 to finish 10th place, followed by Cohen Stursa with a time of 52.67 and Reese Blondin with a time of 53.77. Stursa was also the only entry in the 200-meter for the Gusties, finishing in a time of 24.17 for 19th. In the field, two Gusties competed in the long jump, Ben Wynia and Logan Sandmeyer. Wynia jumped a 6.07m mark, good for ninth place and Sandmeyer leaped to a 5.91m mark, finishing 10th. Three entrants competed in the pole vault, led by first-year Anderson and sophomore Alex Palmer, both vaulting over heights of 3.90m, with senior Joe Ream just behind them with a height of 3.75m.

Gustavus track and field takes a few weeks off now, getting back to competition on January 17th, when the team competes at the Ole Opener, hosted by St. Olaf in Northfield.

Link

Sports

Mens track & field kick start their indoor season at SDSU

Published

58 minutes ago

December 6, 2025

Your Sports Nation

BROOKINGS, S.D. — The Jimmie men opened their indoor season with a strong first showing, posting competitive marks across sprint, distance, jump, and throw events.

Avery Ligon placed 20th in the 60 meter with a time of 7.17.

Xander Rath placed 35th in the 60 meter with a time of 7.43.

Conrad P. Baard placed 30th in the 200 meter with a time of 24.04, and 16th in the 400 meter with a time of 57.18.

Andrew Rexin placed 35th in the 200 meter with a time of 24.85, and 18th in the 400 meter with a time of 59.02.

Cael Church placed 15th in the 300 meter with a time of 37.43, and 12th in the 600 meter with a time of 1:26.90.

Clark Lortscher placed 5th in the 3000 meter with a PR of 8:57.81.

Cole Campbell placed 7th in the 3000 meter with a PR of 9:01.75.

Noah Sayler placed 10th in the 3000 meter with a PR of 9:16.42.

Aaron Devine placed 12th in the 3000 meter with a time of 9:19.37.

Lucas Dahl placed 13th in the 3000 meter with a PR of 9:20.35.

Braeden Kinzler placed 14th in the 3000 meter with a time of 9:22.51.

Payton Mukkada placed 15th in the 3000 meter with a time of 9:22.69.

Gavyn Graham placed 18th in the 3000 meter with a time of 9:37.02.

Adam Sobolik placed 19th in the 3000 meter with a time of 9:38.14.

Landon Thompson placed 20th in the 3000 meter with a time of 9:47.66.

Samuel Sampers placed 21st in the 3000 meter with a time of 9:50.89.

Kadin Marshall placed 24th in the 3000 meter with a time of 9:59.83.

Liam Pospisil placed 25th in the 3000 meter with a PR of 10:26.49.

Ethan Duval placed 3rd in the High Jump at 2.00m (6’6.75″), a PR.

Riley Johnson placed 10th in the High Jump at 1.80m (5’10.75″).

Trevor Waldo placed 17th in the Long Jump at 6.02m (19’9″).

Jayden Bittner placed 20th in the Long Jump at 5.75m (18’10.5″).

Brady Crabtree placed 14th in Pole Vault at 4.25m (13’11.25″), a PR.

Evan Schmit placed 11th in Shot Put at 14.59m (47’10.5″) and 20th in Weight Throw at 13.88m (45’6.5″), a PR.

Jobe Rystedt placed 16th in Shot Put at 13.56m (44’6″) and 26th in Weight Throw at 12.11m (39’8.75″).

WHATS NEXT?

The Jimmies return to action on Thursday, 11 December, competing at the Dakota Alumni Classic hosted by NDSU in Fargo, N.D.

Link

Sports

Miami Announces 2026 Schedule – University of Miami Athletics

Published

1 hour ago

December 6, 2025

Your Sports Nation

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami track and field program announced its highly competitive 2026 indoor and outdoor schedules Friday, highlighted by three home meets at Cobb Stadium.

The Hurricanes open the season Jan. 16 in Gainesville, Fla., at the Jimmy Carnes Invitational before traveling to Fayetteville, Ark., for the Razorback Invitational on Jan. 30–31. The regular season continues at the Tiger Paw Invitational in Clemson, S.C., on Feb. 13–14.

The ACC Indoor Championships are set for Feb. 26–28 in Boston, Mass., while the NCAA Indoor Championships will be held March 13–14 in Fayetteville.

Miami opens the outdoor season at home with a pair of meets, hosting the Hurricane Invitational on March 20–21 and the Hurricane Collegiate Invitational on March 27–28.

The Hurricanes return to Gainesville for the Florida Relays on April 3–4 before hosting their final home meet of the season, the Hurricane Alumni Invitational, on April 10–11.

Miami then heads back to Gainesville for the Tom Jones Memorial on April 17–18 prior to competing at the historic Penn Relays in Philadelphia, Pa., from April 23–25. The Hurricanes close the regular season at the UNF East Coast Relays in Jacksonville, Fla., on May 1–2.

Louisville, Ky., will host the ACC Outdoor Championships from May 14–16, while the NCAA East Prelims are set for May 27–30 in Lexington, Ky.

The 2026 season concludes at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Ore., from June 10–13.

Link

Sports

Track & Field Opens Campaign with Strong Showing at HBCU & Ivy Challenge

Published

2 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Your Sports Nation

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Harvard opened the 2025-26 track & field season on home turf, as the Crimson orchestrated wins in seven events at the fifth annual HBCU & Ivy Challenge.

A two-time All-Ivy League selection in the women’s weight throw and the 2024 Ivy League champion in the event, junior Emilia Kolokotroni started the day with a fantastic showing at Gordon Indoor Track, winning the women’s weight throw after posting a 19.10m (62’8″).

Harvard found more success in the field events, as first-year Jillene Wetteland earned a win in her collegiate debut after clearing 1.69m (5’6.5″) in the women’s high jump, as sophomore Tyler Glover finished in first in the women’s shot put after logging a throw of 15.42m (50’7.25″).

The Ancient Eight’s defending women’s pole vault champion in indoor competition, sophomore Ella McRitchie started the year with a win in the women’s pole vault after clearing 4.10m (13’5.25″).

On the track, a pair of seniors started the season with stellar performances on the straightaway. The 2025 Ivy League champion in the women’s 60 hurdles, senior Fabiola Belibi finished in first place in the women’s 60 hurdles at the HBCU & Ivy Challenge after posting a time of 8.50 in the final. One of Harvard’s team captains, senior Jonas Clarke kicked-off his final collegiate season with the Crimson with a win, finishing in first in the men’s 60m after crossing the finish line in 6.85.

Harvard’s men’s 4x440y relay team of sophomore Harlow Tong, first-year Hudson McGough, sophomore Brayden Chavez and first-year Oliver Parker ended the day on a high note, winning the event after combining for a time of 3:18.44.

In the team standings, the women’s squad took second with 82 points, while the men finished in fourth with 54 points.

HARVARD HIGHLIGHTS:

Harvard started on the front foot in the throws cage, capturing the top two spots in the women’s weight throw. A two-time All-Ivy League selection and 2024 Ivy League champion in the women’s weight throw, Kolokotroni finished atop the podium with a throw of 19.10m (62’8″). Senior Michaela Denson finished in second to start her final track & field campaign with the Crimson, doing so with a throw of 18.19m (59’8.25″).

A Crimson debutant picked up a win in the women’s high jump, as Wetteland took first after clearing 1.69m (5’6.5″). Junior Lilly Hodge also placed fourth in the event after leaping past 1.60m (5’3″).

The Crimson orchestrated a promising effort in the men’s high jump, with two Harvard student-athletes finishing in the top five. First-year Joachim Johnson finished in third in his collegiate debut after clearing 2.04m (6’8.25″), a mark that is tied for 10^th all-time in school history. Senior and team captain Daire Mahon finished in fourth place after clearing a personal-best 1.98m (6’6″).

The track action started with a scoring effort in the men’s 600m, as first-year Hudson McGough added to Harvard’s total with a third place finish after crossing the finish line in 1:21.29.

Back in the throws cage, another Crimson first-year scored in his Harvard debut, as first-year Daniel Ye finished in second in the men’s weight throw with an attempt of 17.69m (58′.5″).

Harvard continued producing wins in the throws, as Glover started her second collegiate campaign with authority, winning the women’s shot put with a mark of 15.42m (50’7.25″). Glover’s throw from the HBCU & Ivy Challenge ranks third all-time in school history.

The men’s side of the shot put saw two Crimson compete, as junior Isaac Delaney finished in third with a throw of 16.45m (53’11.75″).

The straightaway finals started with a top five showing in the men’s 60 hurdles, as junior Simon Weiser placed in fifth with a time of 8.16.

Wins arrived for Crimson seniors in both the women’s 60 hurdles and the men’s 60m. The Ivy League’s defending women’s 60 hurdles champion, Belibi kicked off her final collegiate season with a win in the event, posting a time of 8.50 to capture first place. In the men’s 60m, Clarke, one of Harvard’s team captains, outlasted the field to take first place with a time of 6.85.

The women’s 60m final saw sophomore Ella Cooper clock a personal-best time of 7.59, taking fourth place in the process.

McRitchie, another returning Ivy League champion, started the 2025-26 with a first place finish in the women’s pole vault, doing so after clearing 4.10m (13’5.25″). Hodge finished in second, as she also cleared 4.10m.

The Crimson’s women’s 4x440y relay team of sophomore Abigail Dennis, sophomore Saige Forbes, Cooper and sophomore Kaelin Creagh took second after clocking a 3:56.07.

On the men’s side of the 4x440y relay, Tong, McGough, Chavez and Parker combined for a time of 3:18.44 to earn the win.

UP NEXT:

The Crimson conclude the opening weekend of the 2025-26 track & field season with two meets tomorrow, as Harvard will host the Harvard Classic at Gordon Indoor Track and will also feature at the Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener at Boston University’s Track & Tennis Center.

For complete coverage of Harvard Track & Field, follow us on Twitter (@HarvardTFXC) and Instagram (@harvardtfxc).

Link