Greenville University is the coaches overwhelming favorite in the 2025 SLIAC Preseason Track and Field poll. The Panthers have won four straight double titles, taking both the indoor and outdoor championships, and return three of last year's top individual award winners.
Sara Yakana returns after qualifying for both the indoor and outdoor nationals and was the SLIAC Indoor Field Athlete of the Year. She will have five titles defend this year and joined among fellow sprinters Jocelyn Fritz and Taylor Tucker. Also back is Gretchen Carie, the SLIAC Indoor Track Athlete of the Year. Carie is a six-time All-Conference performer and heads up the Panther distance runners. Also look for fellow distance runners Norah Swinigan and Raven Vance to make noise this spring. Kenzie Kurdys will look to follow up on her record setting first-year in which she shattered both the conference's indoor and outdoor pole vault records while being named Field Newcomer of the Year. Talahiva Talanoa returns after qualifying for indoor nationals and being named the SLIAC Outdoor Field Athlete of the Year. New faces to watch for Brian Patton and his staff include Alivia Clayton, Chloe Aubuschon, Katie Farrow, Madison Kacevicius, and Tykiaza Jones.
Spalding University was picked 2nd on the poll with 66 points. The Golden Eagles are coached by Stephen Gray and return several All-Conference performers. Takara Williams finished second in the pole vaults at both the indoor and outdoor championships while Muskan Jamshed was a medalist in the 3000 Steeplechase. The Golden Eagles relay teams will include Holly Higgs and Shyanne Hagan. Eryn Rataiczak will be one to watch in the pole vault after winning a state title in high school while Daisia Jones joins the program as a jumper.
Finishing 3rd was MUW with 58 points. No team information provided.
Webster University totaled 52 points, coming in 4th place. No team information provided.
Lyon College received 51 points after placing 4th in the conference at the indoor championship and 3rd at outdoors. Head Coach Adam Trausch will look for sprinter Brianna Krantz and pole vaulter Trinity Davis to lead his program. Krantz was the SLIAC Indoor Track Newcomer of the Year after winning the 400 meter titles. Davis captured bronze in the pole vault at both conference championships.
Principia College was chosen 6th with 46 points. Head Coach Nick Barron is looking to improve upon the program's 8th place showings last year. Sprinter Amarachi Ejimadu is back as is 5000 meter outdoor champion Sarah Erickson. Myka Fenton will lead the program's middle distance runners with Mirsa Boyer returning to the track after a year away. Among the new athletes to watch are Sana Udoekong, Hannah Myers, and Nina Martinez.
Westminster College finished with 39 points, placing 7th. The Blue Jays program is headlined by Kalie Strayhorn, the 2024 SLIAC Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year. The sprinter collected four medals last year including gold in the indoor 200 meter dash and both the outdoor 100 meter and 200 meter races. Moenaisa Sidique returns to compete in the 400 meter race. Emma Braby and Natalie Stewart head up the Blue Jays throwers with newcomer Amber Dierling joining the group.
With 24 points, Eureka College came in 8th place. The Red Devils will have to overcome the departure of All-Conference distance runner Karissa Heffernan. Head Coach Chris Robinson will rely on Rachel Fisher (middle distance) to step up as the team's leader. Emily Baker is hopeful to be fully healthy after a setback in the fall during cross country but is preparing for long distance events. Seniors Isabella Carbajal and Odessa Grove will be wrapping up their Red Devil careers.
Blackburn College picked up 17 points. Olivia Leemon should be fully healthy and ready to compete in distance events for the Beavers. Newcomers India Harris and Michaela Mouton will team up as throwers while Gracie Jent makes her debut on the track after competing in cross country.
Fontbonne University wraps up the poll. Head Coach Marquis Jones will offer his small group of athletes one more chance to compete. The roster will include Brenna Foley and Karmen Daniels, multi-sport athletes wrapping up their Griffin careers.