The Milwaukee Panthers women’s track and field team placed second at the Horizon League Indoor Championships, which took place in Youngstown, Ohio. The Panthers finished with 123 points, following Youngstown State, who led with 165 points.
Head coach Andrew Basler commented on the team’s performance: “Heading into these championships, our women were dead even with Youngstown State based on entries. Day one had some hiccups, but we went into day two with great energy and resiliency. It boiled down to lack of scoring opportunities in the finals. They had 10 finalists in the 800m and down, while we only had five. Track is a numbers game, and the ladies just didn’t have the depth on Sunday to pull it out.”
Anna Szepieniec was named Women’s Championship Outstanding Performer – Field after her top result in the triple jump event, clearing 12.04 meters. Teammates Kallie Volk (third), Nevia Levenhagen (sixth), and Adaline Powell (seventh) also finished among the top ten in this event. Levenhagen received additional recognition as Women’s Field Freshman of the Year.
In high jump competition, Olivia VanZeeland secured first place by jumping 1.73 meters. Volk and Alexandria Simmons tied for fourth at 1.62 meters.
The relay team of Victoria Evtimov, Taylor Thimmesch, Katie Burns, and Leah Handshoe achieved third place in the 4×400-meter relay with a time of 3:48.01, setting a new school record.
Katie Burns contributed further by placing fifth in the 400-meter (55.92 seconds) and seventh in the 200-meter (24.95 seconds). In hurdles events, Szepieniec finished second in the 60-meter hurdles (8.49 seconds), while Victoria Spagnola was sixth (8.83 seconds).
Rachel Helm scored for Milwaukee by finishing seventh in the mile run (5:02.00) and fourth in the 800-meter run (2:13.55). In shot put events, Mercedes Herrera threw for 11.70 meters and Claudia Conner for 11.38 meters.
Isabella Switalski was Milwaukee’s top finisher in the 3000-meter run with a time of 10:45.57.
Coach Basler addressed his team about their effort: “I spoke to the teams afterwards about the importance of details and what it truly means to be united as a team and fully support the cause,” he said.”With that said, I’m very proud of the efforts put forth this weekend and the support the team showed for each other.”
Basler also thanked his coaching staff: “I’d like to thank all my assistant coaches… Coaches Hatch, Schultz, Schmidt, Johnson, Howard, and Rogalski. They do an amazing job pouring into our team. I’d also like to thank our support staff of athletic trainers who work to make sure our athletes are staying healthy.”
The Milwaukee Panthers women’s track and field program participates both indoors and outdoors during their season as part of NCAA Division I athletics according to their official website. The team represents University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee within both regional competition through membership in the Horizon League and contributes to its athletic legacy. The program is based out of Milwaukee and supports student-athletes academically as well as athletically.
