Firebirds Open Outdoor Season with Strong Showing at Seahawk Invitational

CALLAWAY, MD. – The University of the District of Columbia women's track & field team opened the 2026 outdoor season with a strong performance at the Seahawk Invitational, highlighted by multiple event victories and personal best marks.

Kyndra Hines led the way with a dominant day on the track, capturing two event titles. Hines won the 100m hurdles in a personal-best time of 14.51s and followed with a first-place finish in the 200m (25.94s). She also played a key role on the Firebirds' 4x100m relay team, helping secure another victory with a time of 49.53s.

In the sprints, Kayla Cooper added a strong performance, placing second in the 200m (26.42s) before going on to win the long jump (5.58m). 

Emmanuela Katou Kouami, claimed first place in the hammer throw (47.55m) and Ryana Goldson recorded a personal-best throw of 33.20m to finish second in the javelin.

Samantha Morrison earned a second-place finish in the 400m hurdles (1:06.21, PB), while Tukey Francis placed third in the 400m (1:01.09). 

In the jumps, the Firebirds swept the top spots in multiple events. Freshman Le'asia Todd took first in the high jump (1.40m), while also placing third in the long jump. Zoe Shaw finished second in the long jump (5.10m), and freshman Gianna Wiggins captured the triple jump title (9.77m).

Distance runner Aksa Jepkogei added a fourth-place finish in the 1500m (5:45.40).

UDC returns to action next weekend at the Norfolk State Invitational.