June 13, 2015
SATURDAY’S RESULTS: HERE
VANDERBILT’S ALL-TIME ALL-AMERICANS
Throughout her young career, Vanderbilt’s Simone Charley has proven herself to be the quintessential clutch performer. During Saturday’s NCAA Outdoor Championships, she did it again — in the most amazing way yet.
Charley, the standout sophomore triple-jumper, delivered the best series of her career, including posting a new school record of 44-3.25 in the finals, to take third place among the incredibly talented field in Eugene, Oregon.
Charley, a two-sport standout from Hoover, Ala., earned First Team All-American honors and shattered her own school record during a performance that will certainly go down as one of the best individual efforts in school history — in any sport.
“There is absolutely no doubt that Simone has that special ‘it’ factor that enables her to compete at her best when the pressure is on,” said Vanderbilt assistant coach Clark Humphreys, who helps guide the Commodores’ jumpers and vaulters. “And we saw that again today. She has the ability to just dial it up at the right moment, and that’s a trait that only the special athletes have.”
Charley, who finished ninth at last year’s NCAA Outdoor Championships, endured a temporary disappointment Saturday when she scratched on her first attempt of the day. But she immediately bounced back by posting a new personal-best — and a new school record — with a mark of 43-8.5 on her second attempt. Moments later, she out-did herself again in the finals, delivering a leap of 44-3.25 to take third place and earn a spot on the podium for the awards ceremony.
Podium finish for Simone! #allsmiles #3rd #stud pic.twitter.com/olmeSE4JC4
— Vanderbilt Xctrack (@vandyxctrack) June 13, 2015
“It was a pretty awesome feeling, just seeing all the hard work pay off,” said Charley. “It was definitely an exciting moment, and I am so thankful to Coach Hump for all he did to help make it happen.”
The always-humble Charley said she planned to celebrate the occasion in a way that seemed very fitting for the low-key sophomore.
“Right now, I am just looking forward to going to dinner and eating whatever I want,” she said shortly after appearing on the podium. “I am going to eat a bowl of ice cream or something.”
Saturday’s performance marked the third time that Charley has represented Vanderbilt at the NCAA Championships — twice in outdoors and once in indoors — and her results have improved each time. Last summer, she earned Second Team All-American honors with her ninth-place finish at the outdoor nationals, and this past spring, she finished fourth at the Indoor Championships.
“We are extremely proud of Simone and the manner in which she continues to represent our program and our university,” said Vanderbilt head coach Steve Keith. “She did an outstanding job today. She and Coach Humphreys have worked extremely hard and, today, it all came together. The two of them make a great team.”
With her third place finish Saturday, Charley helped the SEC sweep the top-3 positions in the event — and all three were underclassmen. Keturah Orji, the outstanding freshman from Georgia, was first with a mark of 46-5.25, and Auburn sophomore Marshay Ryan was second at 44-4.75.
After the race, Orji took a “victory lap” around the stadium, which is a custom at the national meet. But Orji put a new twist on the tradition by inviting Charley and Ryan to join her. And they happily accepted.
“That was a really classy move on her part,” said Humphreys, “and I think that really shows the level of respect the SEC athletes have for each other.”
Charley had plenty of supporters Saturday, including Vanderbilt director of athletics David Williams, and associate AD for external affairs Steve Walsh.
“I am so thankful to them for coming,” said Charley, “and so thankful to everyone who has helped me. And I am most thankful to God. With Him, all things are possible.”
When asked after the meet if her social-media accounts were going crazy with messages, Charley revealed to Humphreys that she had shut down her Twitter and Instagram last week in order to focus on nationals.
“I think that right there just shows her level of discipline and the business-like approach she takes to what she does,” said Humphreys. “She didn’t want anything to be a distraction. And today, her focus and dedication paid off. We are very proud.”
