UDC Women’s Track & Field Shines in Season Opener Highlighted by Top Finishes, School Records and a National Qualifying Mark

New York, N.Y. – The University of the District of Columbia Women's Indoor Track & Field team opened their 2025-26 campaign with a powerful showing highlighted by two school records, a national provisional qualifying mark, and multiple event victories across the board.

Kyndra Hines delivered a standout debut winning the 60m hurdles and placing second in the 60m. Her 8.66s performance in the 60m hurdles marks a new UDC school record and NCAA provisional qualifying time, immediately placing her among the top sprint-hurdlers in the East Region. She also posted 7.73s in the 60m prelims and finished runner-up in the 60m final at 7.83s.

Kayleigh Shelton joined Hines atop the hurdles leaderboard, running a PR of 8.89s in the final to place second after a qualifying time of 8.98s.

Emmanuela Katou Kouami led the field with a weight throw victory (16.42m) and sixth place in the shot put (9.79m). Zoe Shaw placed first in the triple jump (11.05m) and third in long jump (5.41m) while clearing 1.63m for third in the high jump.

Samantha Morrison claimed 3rd place in the 1000m, clocking 3:02.42 — a personal best and new school record, breaking her own mark set last season. 

Kayla Cooper also placed 6th in the 300m (41.41s), and Janel Baxter hit a PR of 43.20s, placing 15th in the 300m. 

The Firebirds wrapped up the meet with the 4x400m relay "A" team comprised of Cooper, Yalix Lina, Morrison and Tukey Francis placing third with a time of 4:03.35.

The Firebirds return to action in January for the Spartan Invitational.