SMU Athletics

Four Mustangs Head to the NCAA West Preliminary Round

May 23

Four athletes are headed to the NCAA West Preliminary Rounds at Sacramento State University this week to compete with the hopes of qualifying for the NCAA Championships. Head Coach 'A Havahla Haynes said the group is looking to capitalize on the energy that the NCAA First Round brings.

Raelyn Roberson will be the first to compete on Thursday in the Long Jump. She is ranked 43rd headed into the meet with a jump of 6.15 meters. This is her third trip to regionals.

"Raelyn is the only one who has been to the First Round before," Haynes said. "She has been on the brink of making the NCAA Finals and understands the mindset it takes to adjust to the competition."

Roberson said she is feeling good headed into the competition.

"Practices have been going well, and I've been here before, so I know what to expect," Roberson said. "I just have to go out there and run and jump, execute, and have fun. I'm excited to see what I put together as well as my teammates. We have worked really hard to get to this moment."

In the triple jump, both Maykayla Jackson and Hedda Kvalvag qualified for their first regional meet. Jackson is ranked 39th ahead of the meet and said she is feeling excited.

"Practice has been good leading up to regionals, so I feel very prepared," Jackson said. "I know what I need to do, so it's all up to me to do it. I'm excited to see what I will do this year!"

Hedda Kronstrand Kvalvåg said her goal this weekend is to have fun a relax.

"What's meant to be will come – I don't want to force anything or put too much pressure on myself," Kvalvag said. "The last few weeks have been hard both physically and mentally, so by going in with no expectations, I will find more happiness while competing. I'm very excited as I got this opportunity last second, and I'm not taking anything for granted! I can't wait to compete and cheer for my teammates."

Kaitlyn Gearin also qualified for her first trip to regionals in the 5k.

"I'm very excited for the opportunity to race at regionals this weekend," Gearin said. "I'm looking forward to putting myself in the race and seeing what I can do."

Gearin is currently sitting in 47th.

"Kaitlyn, Maykayla, and Hedda are all making their first appearance," Haynes said. "There's no telling where their limits are. All three appear to be willing to test them."

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