Jayden Ulrich delivered an impressive performance on Thursday evening, securing a fourth-place finish in the women’s shot put as the University of Louisville women’s track & field team began their competition at the NCAA Outdoor Championships.
Ulrich, a junior, achieved a mark of 17.89m (58-8.5) on her first attempt, propelling her into the top-five nationally for the first time in her career. This outstanding effort earned her First Team All-American honors and contributed five points to the Cardinals’ team score.
Her fourth-place finish caps a remarkable season in the shot put, where she claimed four event victories in six meets, captured the ACC title, and set a new program record at the NCAA East Regionals. The East Alton, Illinois native now aims to become the first female in program history to achieve two top-five finishes at the same national championship meet when she competes in the women’s discus throw on Saturday afternoon at 5:05 p.m. ET.
Additionally, Natalie Lark concluded her stellar season in the women’s pole vault, earning Honorable Mention All-American status after qualifying for the national meet for the first time in her career.
The Cardinals will continue their quest at the NCAA Outdoor Championships tomorrow evening at 8:30 p.m. ET, with Brion Stephens participating in the men’s high jump in his debut appearance at the national meet.
Fans can catch all the action live on ESPN2 throughout the day, with field event-specific streams available on ESPN+.
