April 24, 2018
NASHVILLE- The Vanderbilt cross country and track and field teams announced the signing of six student-athletes who join the squads for the 2018-19 academic year. This year’s class features three state champions and spans five states and Canada.
“This is a very solid class with some great credentials from 400 meters to mid-distance and cross country,” said track and field/cross country head coach Steve Keith.”I know that they are very excited about the athletic and academic opportunities that Vanderbilt has to offer. We look forward to their contribution and development over the coming seasons.”
Learn more about the newest Commodores below:
Ana Wallace
Tallahassee, Florida
Lawton Chiles High School
Wallace placed sixth in the 2017 Footlocker National Championship and this fall won the Florida high school state championship in cross country.
Quoting Assistant Coach Rebekah Smeltzer…
“Ana comes to Vanderbilt after a tremendous cross country campaign where she surpassed her season goal of breaking 18 minutes in the 5K by running 17:26 and placing sixth at the prestigious Footlocker National Cross Country Championship. I am truly overjoyed to have an athlete of her caliber but more importantly a person with her character and strength.”
Wallace’s Top Times
1600m 4:57
3200m 10:44
5000m XC 17:26
Why Vanderbilt…
“I chose to run for Vanderbilt because I was welcomed with open arms, literally, by all the team members when I came on my visit. I could tell it was a very supportive environment and one that I wanted to be a part of.”
Jacqueline Pinon
Albuquerque, New Mexico
St. Pius X High School
Pinon has had a highly decorated high school career and comes to Nashville as a three-time New Mexico high school state championship with titles in the 1600m, 3200m and cross country.
Quoting Assistant Coach Rebekah Smeltzer…
“I am thrilled to have Jacque join the black and gold this upcoming fall. She has all the qualities of a Vanderbilt Commodore: resilient, motivated, intelligent, involved, a team player. Jacque has a way of bringing up everyone around her. Her positive presence is going to be really impactful as we tackle some big team goals next year.”
Pinon’s Top Times
800m 2:16
1600m 5:07
3200m 10:56
5000m XC 17:35
Why Vanderbilt…
“I am so excited because I know that Vanderbilt will help me reach my highest potential in both academics and athletics! Attending such a prestigious university will provide me with new opportunities for the rest of my life. The coaches and team are such a wonderful group of people and immediately made me feel like a part of their family. I am incredibly thrilled to be a Commodore!”
Haley Walker
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Havergal College
Quoting Assistant Coach Rebekah Smeltzer…
“Haley was our last commit of the 2018 class but she was worth the wait. Haley has had a lot of exposure to competing in competitions similar to that of SEC and Nationals where you are required to qualify to the finals and race multiple events in the same day. Her experience with this definitely gives her a leg up and we look forward to seeing the impact she has on our team and in the conference.”
Walker’s Top Times
800m (Indoor) 2:09.37
1000m (Indoor) 2:50.22
800m 2:11.21
1500m 4:28.29
Walker comes to the states from Toronto, Canada and will join current Vanderbilt teammate Emily Cohen as Commodores from Canada. will help the Commodores in the middle distances and has impressive times in the 800m and the 1500m.
Why Vanderbilt…
“When I first visited Vanderbilt, I was instantly impressed by the campus and the supportive team environment. I can’t wait to further both my running and academic aspirations as a Commodore!”
Grace Jensen
Mobile, Alabama
McGill-Toolen Catholic High School
Jensen is a versatile athlete who will join the Commodores from Mobile, Alabama. She’s a three-time Alabama high school state champion in the 800m both indoor and outdoor and also won the cross country title in 2017.
Quoting Assistant Coach Rebekah Smeltzer…
“Grace is going to be a fun one to have join the team next fall. Having to race and train relatively solo through her four years of high school I think Grace will really blossom alongside our current mid-distance group. She knows how to work hard but also has a lot of fun with it. Her ability to balance the two is definitely going to be a welcomed addition.”
Jensen’s Top Times
800m 2:11
1600m 4:58
3200m 10:53
5000m XC 18:00
2017 Alabama State Champion, 800m Indoor, 800m Outdoor, XC
Why Vanderbilt…
“I picked Vanderbilt because it’s a place I feel I can thrive in every aspect of my life. Whether that’s academically, athletically, or socially; I’m so excited for all the opportunities that come with going to a high-caliber school like Vandy! I love the team and the city of Nashville and there’s no other place quite like it!”
Alena Sapienza-Wright
Louisville, Kentucky
DuPont Manuel High School
Sapienza-Wright will make the short trip to Nashville from Louisville, Kentucky. Another very versatile runner, she will run the mile, 3200 and cross country for the Dores.
Quoting Assistant Coach Rebekah Smeltzer…
“When I think of Alena, the term ‘work-horse’ quickly comes to mind. Alena is one of the toughest, grittiest, and most team-focused athletes I have had the pleasure of meeting. She doesn’t give anything less than 100 percent. She is going to be an amazing addition and future leader at this University and on this team.”
Sapienza-Wright’s Top Times
1mile 4:57
3200m 10:50
5000m XC 17:35
Why Vanderbilt…
“I have been told that college is a stepping stone, not a destination. Vanderbilt is a stepping stone that I cannot pass by. It has it all: high level athletics, rigorous academics, and good people. The university creates a challenging and supportive environment with which I have fallen in love.”
Jordan Smith
Suwanee, Georgia
Lambert High School
Smith will travel to Nashville from Suwanee, Georgia and will compete for the Commodores in track. She’s a short distance specialist and will contribute in the 100, 200 and 400 for Vanderbilt.
Quoting Assistant Coach Donald Young…
“I’m very excited to have Jordan join our 400 sprint group. Throughout the recruiting process Jordan made it very clear that Vanderbilt was where she wanted to be. I look for her to come in right away and make an impact on our 4×400 relay.
Smith’s Top Times
100m 12.35
200m 24.73
400m (Indoor) 55.75
400m (Outdoor) 54.94
Why Vanderbilt…
“Vanderbilt is located in one of the most prosperous cities in America, offers Ivy League level academics, and participates in the most competitive conference athletically. While all of these were factors in my decision to choose Vanderbilt as my new home, what stood out to me the most were the people. The coaches, the athletes, and even the students went out of their way to greet me warmly when I visited. I’m excited to be a part of a program where everyone shows such deep love for their school and undeniable support for one another.”
For more information on the Vanderbilt cross country and track and field teams check them out on the website at www.vucommodores.com and on Twitter at @vandyxctrack.
