Track & Field Beings Indoor Season at Vanderbilt’s Winter Commodore Challenge

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Austin Peay State University’s track and field team begins its 2025-26 season at Vanderbilt’s Commodore Winter Challenge, Saturday, at the David Williams II Recreation & Wellness Center in Nashville.

The meet is Austin Peay’s first of five in the indoor campaign’s regular season and also the first of three times the Govs will travel to the Music City ahead of the spring’s outdoor season.

Led by third-year head coach Asha Gibson-Smith, the Governors return 21 athletes including Taylin Segree who was a four-time ASUN Freshman of the Week and qualified for the USATF U20 Championships last season.

Gibson-Smith also welcomed six veteran newcomers in transfers Holly Harding (Lindenwood), Mallory Hodge (Eastern Kentucky), Laure Marie Kidakula (Georgia State), Mariah Mitchem (Coker University), Raven Payne (Bellarmine), and Zoe Spann-McDonald (West Virginia State). The Govs’ newcomer class features a quartet of freshmen, with Emily Bey, Molly Brown, China Giaimo, and Te’Onja Hinds set to begin their collegiate careers at Vanderbilt’s meet.

Saturday’s events begin in the field at 8:30 a.m. with Marcia Dejesus, Giaimo, and Emma Tucker competing in the weight throw. At the same time, Ja’Kyah Montgomery will be competing in the high jump. APSU concludes the day at 3:55 p.m. with Taylah Upshaw competing in the 1,000-meter.

Saturday’s meet will be streamed live on SEC Network+ with Jake Lyman on the call. Live results are available at the link atop this article.

Up Next

Austin Peay returns to action in mid-January when it returns to Nashville to the Vanderbilt Invitational, Jan. 16-17, at the David Williams II Recreation & Wellness Center

Austin Peay Competition List

Weight Throw (8:30 a.m.) – Marcia Dejesus, China Giaimo, Emma Tucker

High Jump (8:30 a.m.) – Ja’Kyah Montgomery

Pole Vault (10 a.m.) – Myra Eriksson

Long Jump (11:30 a.m.) – Denim Goddard, Madelyn Kocik

60m Hurdles Prelims (12 p.m.) – Molly Brown, Nevaeh Schmeling, Zoe Spann-McDonald

Shot Put (12:30 p.m.) – Marcia Dejesus, China Giaimo, Emma Tucker

Triple Jump (2:30 p.m.) – Denim Goddard, Madelyn Kocik, Ja’Kyah Montgomery

300m (2:35 p.m.) – Isis Banks, Alijanae Cole, Seven Pettus

600m (3:15 p.m.) – Alexis Arnett, Mia McGee, Taylin Segree

1000m (3:55 p.m.) – Taylah Upshaw

Follow the Govs on Socials

For news and updates throughout the 2025-26 track & field season, follow the Governors on X and Instagram (@GovsXCTF) or check back at LetsGoPeay.com