Eight Firebirds Earn USTFCCCA All-Region Honors
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Eight University of the District of Columbia student-athletes earned USTFCCCA All-Region honors for the 2026 NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field season, the organization announced Wednesday.
The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association recognizes the top five individuals in each event within each region, along with members of the top three relay teams, as All-Region honorees.
The Firebirds were represented across multiple events, highlighted by standout performances throughout the indoor season.
Kyndra Hines led the way, earning All-Region recognition in both the 60-meter dash (7.65s) and the 60-meter hurdles (8.52s), finishing the season ranked first in the East Region in both events. Hines captured the East Coast Conference titles in the 60m hurdles and 60m dash, while also qualifying for the NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field Championships in the hurdles.
Kayleigh Shelton earned All-Region honors in the 60-meter hurdles (8.83s), while Kayla Cooper secured All-Region recognition in the 60-meter dash (7.73s).
In the field events, Emmanuela Katou Kouami topped the region in the weight throw for the second consecutive year, continuing her dominant season that saw her break the UDC school record (18.43m) and finish the year ranked among the top throwers nationally.
Zoe Shaw earned All-Region distinction in both the high jump (1.66m) and triple jump (11.40m), showcasing her versatility across multiple events for the Firebirds.
On the middle-distance side, Samantha Morrison earned All-Region honors in the 800 meters after clocking in at 2:15.30 to place second in at the ECC Indoor Championship.
UDC's 4x400-meter relay team of Yalix Lina, Samantha Morrison, Kayla Cooper, and Tukey Francis also received All-Region recognition after finishing among the top relay teams in the East Region this season with a time of 3:58.48.
The eight honorees cap a historic indoor campaign for the Firebirds, highlighted by conference titles, regional-leading performances, and national qualification.
The Firebirds will now shift their focus to the outdoor track & field season, which begins later this spring.