Poll: What Is Katie Ledecky’s Greatest World Record? (Vote Here!)

During her spectacular career, Katie Ledecky has set 17 world records – 15 in the long-course pool. Her latest world mark was produced last weekend, when the 28-year-old covered the 800-meter freestyle in 8:04.12 at the TYR Pro Series stop in Fort Lauderdale. Ledecky’s performance arrived nearly nine years after she clocked 8:04.79 at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Is Ledecky’s effort from Fort Lauderdale the greatest world record of her career? Or, is her finest global standard another swim. Maybe her 15:20.48 in the 1500 freestyle, which is 18 seconds faster than the No. 2 performer of all-time? Perhaps her 3:56.46 outing in the 400 freestyle at the Rio Games? Do you have another of Ledecky’s world records in mind?

Cast your vote in the poll below for the greatest world record by Ledecky, a future Hall of Famer and widely considered the finest female swimmer in history.

Loading Poll…

It’s time for a look at potential winners of the Bowerman, an annual award presented to the most outstanding athletes in collegiate track and field.

Here’s the latest on some of the best in DI track and field.

THE BOWERMAN: Complete history of the track and field honor

Latest watch list

Watch list update No. 5

The fourth update to the Bowerman women’s watch list was announced on Wednesday, May 7, with the men’s watch list announced on Thursday, May 8.

*Watch list career debut

The following athletes received votes:

• Women
  • Margot Appleton, Virginia (Mid-Distance/Distance)
  • Lianna Davidson, Georgia (Javelin)
  • JaMeesia Ford, South Carolina (Sprints)
  • Lexy Halladay-Lowry, BYU (Steeple/Distance)
  • Jadin O’Brien, Notre Dame (Combined Events)
  • Manuela Rotundo, Georgia (Javelin)

PREDICTING: How the Bowerman watch lists predict the award’s final winner

2025 watch list dates

Below you’ll find all of the Bowerman watch list dates for 2025. 

All dates subject to change

Date of the winner of the Bowerman

The 2025 winners will be announced on Thursday, Dec. 18 at the 2025 USTFCCCA convention at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas.

Past watch lists

Watch list update No. 4

The fourth update to the Bowerman women’s watch list was announced on Wednesday, April 16, with the men’s watch list announced on Thursday, April 17.

*Watch list career debut

The following athletes received votes:

• Women
  • Şilan Ayyildiz, Oregon (Mid-Distance)
  • Lianna Davidson, Georgia (Javelin)
  • JaMeesia Ford, South Carolina (Sprints)
  • Hana Moll, Washington (Pole Vault)
  • Jadin O’Brien, Notre Dame (Combined Events)
• Men
  • Jordan Anthony, Arkansas (Sprints)
  • Johnny Brackins, Jr., Southern California (Hurdles/Jumps)
  • Simen Guttormsen, Duke (Pole Vault)
  • Garrett Kaalund, Southern California (Sprints)
  • Trey Knight, CSUN (Throws)
  • Carli Makarawu, Kentucky (Sprints)
  • Gary Martin, Virginia (Mid-Distance/Distance)
  • Tinoda Matsatsa, Georgetown (Mid-Distance/Distance)
  • Chinecherem Nnamdi, Baylor (Javelin)
  • Daniel Reynolds, Wyoming (Throws)
  • Kendrick Smallwood, Texas (Sprints/Hurdles)
  • Keyshawn Strachan, Nebraska (Javelin)
  • Kostas Zaltos, Minnesota (Throws)

PAST BOWERMANS: 2024 men’s – Leo Neugebauer | 2024 women’s – Parker Valby

Watch list update No. 3

The third update to the Bowerman women’s watch list was announced on Wednesday, March 26, with the men’s watch list announced on Thursday, March 27.

*Watch list career debut

The following athletes received votes:

• Women
  • Şilan Ayyildiz, Oregon (Mid-Distance)
  • Alexis Brown, Baylor (Sprints/Jumps)
  • Dajaz Defrand, Southern California (Sprints)
  • JaMeesia Ford, South Carolina (Sprints)
  • Elena Kulichenko, Georgia (Jumps)
  • Wilma Nielsen, Oregon (Mid-Distance)
• Men
  • Jordan Anthony, Arkansas (Sprints)
  • Favour Ashe, Oregon (Sprints)
  • Johnny Brackins, Jr., Southern California (Hurdles/Jumps)
  • Nathan Green, Washington (Mid-Distance)
  • Brian Musau, Oklahoma State (Distance)
  • Chinecherem Nnamdi, Baylor (Javelin)
  • Jonathan Seremes, Missouri (Jumps)
  • JC Stevenson, Southern California (Sprints/Jumps)

PAST BOWERMANS: 2023 men’s – Jaydon Hibbert | 2023 women’s – Julien Alfred

Watch list update No. 2

The second update to the Bowerman women’s watch list was announced on Wednesday, March 5, with the men’s watch list announced on Thursday, March 6.

*Watch list career debut

The following athletes received votes:

• Women
  • Anthaya Charlton, Florida (Jumps)
  • Mya Lesnar, Colorado State (Throws)
  • Indya Mayberry, TCU (Sprints)
  • Jadin O’Brien, Notre Dame (Combined Events)
  • Hilda Olemomoi, Florida (Distance)
  • Michaela Rose, LSU (Mid-Distance)
  • Isabella Whittaker, Arkansas (Sprints)

• Men
  • Favour Ashe, Oregon (Sprints)
  • Makanakaishe Charamba, Auburn (Sprints)
  • Eli Kosiba, Grand Valley State (Jumps)
  • Tinoda Matsatsa, Georgetown (Mid-Distance/Distance)
  • Aidan McCarthy, Cal Poly (Mid-Distance)
  • Chinecherem Nnamdi, Baylor (Javelin)
  • Daniel Reynolds, Wyoming (Throws)
  • Jonathan Seremes, Missouri (Jumps)
  • Aleksandr Solovev, Texas A&M (Pole Vault)
  • Keyshawn Strachan, Nebraska (Javelin)
  • Sam Whitmarsh, Texas A&M (Mid-Distance)

PAST BOWERMANS: 2022 men’s – Trey Cunningham | 2022 women’s – Abby Steiner

Watch list update No. 1

The first update to the Bowerman women’s watch list was announced on Wednesday, Feb. 5, with the men’s watch list announced on Thursday, Feb. 6. 

*Watch list career debut

The following athletes received votes:

• Women
  • Axelina Johansson, Nebraska (Throws)
  • Pamela Kosgei, New Mexico (Distance)
  • Elena Kulichenko, Georgia (Jumps)
  • Mya Lesnar, Colorado State (Throws)
  • Indya Mayberry, TCU (Sprints)
  • Amanda Moll, Washington (Pole Vault)
  • Hana Moll, Washington (Pole Vault)
  • Wilma Nielsen, Oregon (Mid-Distance)
  • Jadin O’Brien, Notre Dame (Combined Events)
  • Michaela Rose, LSU (Mid-Distance)
  • Savannah Sutherland, Michigan (Sprints/Hurdles)
• Men
  • Favour Ashe, Oregon (Sprints)
  • Graham Blanks, Harvard (Distance)
  • Nathaniel Ezekiel, Baylor (Sprints/Hurdles)
  • Eli Kosiba, Grand Valley State (Jumps)
  • Abdullahi Hassan, Mississippi State (Mid-Distance)
  • Chinecherem Nnamdi, Baylor (Javelin)
  • Samuel Ogazi, Alabama (Sprints)
  • Tarsis Orogot, Alabama (Sprints)
  • Jonathan Seremes, Missouri (Jumps)
  • Aleksandr Solovev, Texas A&M (Pole Vault)
  • JC Stevenson, Southern California (Sprints/Jumps)
  • Keyshawn Strachan, Nebraska (Javelin)

Preseason watch list

The women’s preseason watch list was announced on Wednesday, Jan. 8, with the men’s preseason watch list announced on Thursday, Jan. 9. 

*Watch list career debut
#Returning finalist
+Returning semifinalist

The following athletes received votes:

• Women | Aaliyah Butler, Georgia (Sprints)
  • Rosey Effiong, Arkansas (Sprints)
  • Brynn King, Roberts Wesleyan (Pole Vault)
  • Pamela Kosgei, New Mexico (Distance)
  • Elena Kulichenko, Georgia (Jumps)
  • Jadin O’Brien, Notre Dame (Combined Events)
  • Savannah Sutherland, Michigan (Sprints/Hurdles)
  • Chloe Timberg, Rutgers (Pole Vault)
• Men
  • Nathan Green, Washington (Mid-Distance)
  • Kenneth Ikeji, Harvard (Throws)
  • Eli Kosiba, Grand Valley State (Jumps)
  • Rivaldo Marshall, Arkansas (Mid-Distance)
  • Tinoda Matsatsa, Georgetown (Mid-Distance/Distance)
  • Nathan Mountain, Virginia (Mid-Distance)
  • Samuel Ogazi, Alabama (Sprints)
  • Godson Oghenebrume, LSU (Sprints)
  • Colin Sahlman, Northern Arizona (Mid-Distance)

LEADING OFF 
For the first time since 2015, No. 7 Loyola Chicago (25-3, 13-3 MIVA) is in the NCAA Tournament, and at the No. 4 seed the Ramblers take on the fifth-seeded No. 6 Pepperdine Wave in the quarterfinals on Thursday, May 8 at 6:30 p.m. CT. 

QUICK HITS

• Four Ramblers earned American Volleyball Coaches Association All-American status, announced by the league’s office on Monday, May 5. For the second consectuive year, Parker Van Buren earned First Team AVCA All-American, Nicodemus Meyer and Daniel Fabikovic were named to the AVCA All-American Second Team, marking the senior’s first second team nod and the second straight for the sophomore. Ryan McElligott was awarded an AVCA All-American Honorable Mention for the first time in his career. 
• Loyola Chicago earned its first NCAA Tournament berth in 10 years after downing Ohio State, 3-0, to clinch the Ramblers’ fourth overall Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association Tournament Championship on Saturday, April 26 inside Gentile Arena. Loyola had been chasing the conference tournament title and an NCAA tournament bid since 2015. 
• The Ramblers swept the MIVA Tournament, winning nine straight sets to secure the championship, which marked the first time since 2022 that a MIVA team (Balll State) won the championship in three three-set matches. MIVA Player of the Year and All-Conference First Teamer Van Buren was named the tournament’s MVP while Fabikovic and McElligott, both All-MIVA First Team honorees as well, were named to the All-MIVA Tournament team. 
• Van Buren became just the second player in program history to be named back-to-back MIVA POTY (Thomas Jaeschke, ’14, ’15), and the third to claim four All-MIVA First Team roster spots. With Meyer, McElligott and Fabikovic also All-MIVA First Teamers, it marks the first time four Ramblers made all-conference first team since 2018 and fourth overall in program history. 
• Nationally, McElligott leads the country in assists/set (10.90), Meyer ranks second in blocks/set (1.23) and Van Buren is second in kills/set (4.42), fourth in points/set (5.25) and ninth in hitting percentage (.410). 
• As a unit, the Ramblers lead the country in kills/set (13.35) and in assists/set (12.50), and rank second in hitting percentage (.368), third in blocks/set (2.57) and fifth in aces/set (1.82). 
• Loyola finished as the league leader in 10 different categories: points/set (17.74), hitting percentage, assists, kills, blocks (2.57/set), service aces, opponent hitting percentage (.220), opponent assists (10.26/set), opponent kills (10.74/set) and opponent service aces (0.93). 
• Head coach Shane Davis remains the winningest coach in program history with a 289-91 ledger and a .761 winning percentage. 

SCOUTING REPORT
Pepperdine (20-9, 7-5 MPSF) came in as the fourth seed in the MPSF Tournament, and The Wave swept Grand Canyon (3-0) in the quarterfinals before upsetting reigning NCAA champion UCLA (3-2) in the semis then taking down USC (3-1) to clinch the program’s seventh overall conference tournament title and an automatic NCAA Tournament bid. As a unit, Pepperdine ranks eighth in hitting percentage (.328), 12th in assists/set (11.68) and 16th in kills/set (12.41). 

Junior outside hitter Ryan Barnett was named the tournament MVP, notching 23 kills on .333 hitting, 11 digs and 22 perfect service receptions in the championship match. Junior libero Jacob Reilly and rookie outside hitter Cole Hartke were awarded All-Tournament Team nods. Earlier this awards season, Hartke was named the MPSF Freshman of the Year and was the only first-year named to the All-MPSF First Team. Barnett, Reilly and Gabe Dyer were awarded first-team, second-team and honorable mention respectively. 

SERIES HISTORY
Earlier this spring, Loyola defeated Pepperdine in a five-set thriller (25-15, 25-23, 19-25, 29-31, 15-12) on the road. Multiple Ramblers marked season and career highs against The Wave, including McElligott’s 59 assists and four service aces. Loyola holds a 3-1 advantage in the all-time series. It will be the first ever meeting between the two programs in the NCAA Tournament. 

FOLLOW THE ACTION

Stream the quarterfinals match on ESPN and follow men’s volleyball on Instagram and X @RamblersMVB for in-game updates. 

Fairfax, Va. — George Mason University Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics has announced the appointment of Ashton Henderson as its new Senior Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Operating Officer. A highly respected national leader in college athletics and professional sports, Henderson brings nearly 15 years of experience spanning collegiate athletics and professional sports with stops at Florida State University, Clemson University, and the Detroit Pistons. 

“Ashton Henderson is a dynamic and emerging leader in intercollegiate athletics,” said Lewis. “He brings a unique blend of authenticity, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to the holistic development of student-athletes. His ability to foster collaboration across departments, cultivate meaningful relationships throughout the university, and lead in the ever-evolving NIL landscape will be an incredible asset to our program. I have full confidence that Ashton’s leadership will elevate the student-athlete experience and further strengthen the championship culture within Mason Athletics. We’re proud to welcome Ashton and his wife, Chloe, to the George Mason family!”

As a senior member of the Vice President/Director of Athletics’ leadership team, Henderson will oversee the department’s daily operations to ensure effective communication, collaboration, and consistent operational execution in support of over 500 student-athletes, 100 full-time employees, and over 200 part-time staff members. 

Henderson will champion new strategic initiatives to enhance the student-athlete experience, drive revenue, and galvanize the community. He will collaborate with campus and community partners to advance the athletics program and serve as the program administrator for men’s basketball and other varsity athletics programs, including sport supervision responsibilities.

“I am fired up and incredibly honored to join the Mason Nation family,” said Henderson. “This is a special institution rooted in excellence, and I am fully committed to serving our student-athletes, coaches, and community with energy, passion, and purpose. I look forward to building meaningful relationships and helping elevate the Patriots to even greater heights.”

A former four-year letter winner in football at Michigan State University (2006–09), Henderson most recently served as Deputy Athletic Director for Championship Resources & Culture at Michigan State University, where he provided executive leadership for nine areas: Athletic Training, Spartans Fuel (Nutrition), Athletic Performance, Student-Athlete Wellness, Sports Science & Data Analytics, EverGreen NIL Education & Strategy, Varsity S Club, Student-Athlete Development, & Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (DEIB) efforts and served as the sport administration for women’s basketball during the 2022-2023 competition season.  He also oversaw the university’s award-winning “EverGreen” NIL program, which was named the nation’s Best Institutional Program at the 2023 NIL Summit.

Before returning to Michigan State University in 2022, Henderson served as the first-ever Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion for the Detroit Pistons, transforming the franchise’s DEI framework and earning national recognition as a Sports Inclusion Conference DEI Champion in 2021.

Henderson’s collegiate leadership journey includes impactful roles at Florida State University and Clemson, where he championed academic success, leadership development, and holistic student-athlete programming. He is a Past President of the National Association for Academic & Student-Athlete Development Professionals N4A (2021-2022), the largest affiliate under the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) umbrella with over 2,000 members. Hendersonalso has won several Association (N4A) awards over the years: Professional Excellence (2020); Model Practice Award – Florida State University (LYFE Program, 2019); and the Professional Promise Award (2015). 

In addition, he received the Cheryl M. Gilliam Young Alumni Award in 2019, which was presented by the MSU Varsity “S” Club. He is also a proud graduate of the NCAA Dr. Charles Whitcomb Leadership Institute, NCAA Pathway Program, and The FBS Athletics Director (Lead 1) Diversity Fellowship Program, where these programs are designed to prepare athletic administrators to become Athletic Directors and or Conference Commissioners. He is also privileged to serve on the Board of Directors of The McLendon Foundation.

As a student-athlete on the football team, Henderson saw action as both a defensive back and on special teams. In his freshman season (2006), he returned a blocked punt 33 yards for a touchdown vs. Northwestern to help fuel the greatest comeback in NCAA Division I-A history as the Spartans rallied from a 35-point deficit for a 41-38 victory.

A two-time graduate of Michigan State, Henderson holds a B.A. in Advertising, an M.A. in Public Relations, and an M.B.A. from Florida State. In 2024, he was recognized with MSU’s Outstanding Alumni Award from the College of Communication Arts & Sciences, the college’s highest honor for alumni. 

Henderson will join George Mason on May 19.

WHAT ARE THEY SAYING ABOUT ASHTON

“In my 40 years of collegiate coaching I’ve never worked with anyone who cares more for the student-athlete than Ashton. He has a tremendous ability to build consensus and unity. He’ll do amazing things at George Mason.”

Bob Braman

Florida State Track and Cross Country

2006 & 2008 NCAA Champions

“Ashton Henderson has consistently demonstrated a work style that is both diligent and innovative, bringing fresh ideas and approaches to every project he tackles. His inclusive nature fosters a collaborative environment where every team member feels valued and heard. Ashton’s ability to connect with people personally and his unwavering commitment to excellence truly sets him apart. His leadership is seen, felt and heard even after he has left our organization. A strong leader with lasting impact.”

Nicolet Lewis

Detroit Pistons, Executive Vice President/Chief People Officer

“The George Mason Athletics family is welcoming an exceptional leader in Ashton Henderson. He builds genuine, lasting relationships and is highly regarded throughout college athletics. His contagious enthusiasm will elevate Patriots athletics, positively impacting the entire Green & Gold community.” 

Vanessa Fuchs

WeCOACH CEO 

“Ashton is an incredible leader with a bright future ahead of him. While Ashton was at Clemson, I knew that he would continue to soar in his Athletics pursuit, and I am proud of all that he has accomplished over the past decade. George Mason University is fortunate to have Ashton join their team, and I wish him the best in his next chapter and continued leadership journey.” 

Dr. James Clements

Clemson University President

“I got to know Ashton as a standout football student-athlete at Michigan State. Those skills he learned have manifested into making a tremendous impact on student athletes’ lives at every place he’s been. George Mason is getting a service-oriented leader who puts students first.” 

Martin Jarmound

The Alice and Nahum Lainer Family Director of Athletics, University of California, Los Angeles

Kent State readies for the final weekend of competition prior to the conference meet on Thursday and Friday at the Northeast Ohio Open, hosted by the University of Akron.

Hammer and javelin throw will take place on Thursday, beginning at 12 p.m. Action on Friday will start at 12 p.m. with the long jump and shot put. The 3,000-meter steeplechase will start running events at 2 p.m.

PREVIEWING THE FLASHES

A total of 54 Golden Flashes are expected be in action this weekend, including four who are ranked second in the conference in their respective events.

In throwing events, Aliesha Shaw is second in the women’s discus throw and Payton Shippee is second in the men’s javelin throw.

Ayden Bath is second in the men’s 110-meter hurdles and Amare Hall ranks second in the men’s long jump.

Additionally, six distance runners will be in action at Baldwin Wallace’s Harrison Dillard Twilight on Friday evening.

NEXT UP FOR KENT STATE

The Golden Flashes will compete at the Mid-American Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Athens, Ohio from May 15-17.

FOLLOW KENT STATE TRACK AND FIELD

For complete coverage of Kent State Track and Field, download the official Kent State Golden Flashes app (iOS, Android) and follow the Golden Flashes on social media on X, Instagram and Facebook for news and updates.