EUGENE, Ore. — The Vanderbilt track and field program was well represented on the national stage Thursday in four events at Hayward Field on the campus of the University of Oregon.
“Today was a great day for the program,” said Althea Thomas, director of cross country and track and field. “Our ladies came to the pinnacle of NCAA track and field and represented Vanderbilt well.”
Grace Jensen competed in the second heat of the 1,500 meters and finished 11th overall with a time of 4:17.07. This effort garnered her second-team All-America honors.
Taiya Shelby was next up for the Commodores in the 400 meters. She crossed the finish line at 51.64 in the third heat, finishing 12th overall. Shelby’s performance also positioned her for second-team All-America recognition.
Divine Oladipo contended in shot put, the only field event for Vandy on the night. Her mark of 17.74 meters not only positioned her in sixth overall but also earned the graduate transfer first-team All-America honors.
The 4×400-meter relay team of Shelby, Madison Fuller, Haley Bishop, and Kaira Brown concluded the meet for the Dores. The quartet notched a time of 3:36.62 in the event.
“Divine came and put a stamp on her season by earning her first All-American trophy and Vanderbilt’s first in the throwing events for decades,” Thomas said. “The ladies represented on the track as well, running near seasons bests. This is the foundation that will stand for years to come for this era of Vanderbilt track and field.”
Vanderbilt will return to the track at 4:05 p.m. CT Saturday with Oladipo competing in the discus throw.
