BURNSVILLE, MN – Following a second-place finish at the NSIC Indoor Championships, University of Mary women's track and field was picked 2
nd in the Northern Sun's Preseason Coaches' Poll. All-American
Laila Cleare was selected as the NSIC Preseason Track Athlete of the Year.
Cleare peaked at the right time during the indoor season, running her two best races of the year at the NCAA Championships. The NSIC's 60m runner-up tied her school record in the prelims, then broke that school record to place 3
rd in the nation and claim her first All-American honors. She has reached the NCAA Championships in each of the last two outdoor seasons.
"The returning conference champion in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay is looking to finish her career in epic fashion," said head coach
Cale Korbelik. "Outdoor season for her is always where she thrives in her strengths. Laila has worked extremely hard to get back to her peak performance form and is gearing up for a historic season."
On the field side, multi-athlete
Anna Rader was selected as UMary's Athlete to Watch. Rader has scored points at both the 2026 NSIC Indoor Championships, and last season's NSIC Outdoor Championships in the Pentathlon and Heptathlon, respectively.
"Anna had a great finish to the indoor season with a national mark in the Pentathlon, the first of her career," said Korbelik. "She has come a long way since starting at UMary and balances her intense Nursing school with being a multi-event athlete. Anna is working hard to build one last great season for her career."
This is the third consecutive season that the Marauders were picked second in the preseason outdoor poll. Last year, UMary won six events at the NSIC Outdoor Championships and had All-American finishes by both
Elizabeth Acheson and the 4x400m Relay team of
Tionce Walrond,
Tayen Werner,
Kelescia Downes, and
Sakena Massiah.
"The women have been able to step up every season and do better than expected at the conference championships," said Korbelik. "The group is extremely hard-working, motivated to improve, and extremely supportive of one another. Their team culture is what makes them great. This outdoor looks to be a great season for the women as they get to add events that fit their strengths the most."
The season begins this weekend at home with the Marauders Outdoor Opener on Saturday at the MDU Resources Community Bowl.
The NSIC Championships will be held from May 7 to 9 in Duluth, MN.
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