The University of Louisville track & field program has achieved significant recognition with two prestigious regional awards for the 2024 outdoor season, as announced by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) on Thursday afternoon
Jayden Ulrich and Cory Martin Honored
Jayden Ulrich was named the USTFCCCA Southeast Regional Women’s Field Athlete of the Year, while Cory Martin received the USTFCCCA Southeast Regional Women’s Assistant Coach of the Year award. Both individuals, in their first year with the Cardinals, have been pivotal in what is considered one of the most remarkable outdoor seasons in Louisville’s history.
Stellar Performances at the NCAA Outdoor Championships
Under the guidance of throws coach Cory Martin, Ulrich had an outstanding performance at the NCAA Outdoor Championships last weekend. She scored 13 points, finishing as the national runner-up in the women’s discus and securing fourth place in the women’s shot put. This achievement makes her the first female in the program’s history to place in the top-five in multiple individual events at the same national meet.
ACC Championship Success
Ulrich’s dominance extended to the ACC Outdoor Championships in early May, where she won titles in both the discus and shot put. She set a new meet record of 61.31 meters in the discus, underscoring her exceptional talent and competitive edge.
Record-Breaking Season
Throughout the season, Martin’s coaching was instrumental in Ulrich setting two new program records. She achieved a mark of 18.66 meters (61-2.75) in the shot put at the NCAA East Regionals and a remarkable 64.29 meters (210-11) in the discus at the Pacific Coast Invitational. The latter mark established a new ACC record and ranks tenth in NCAA history.
Historic Recognition for Louisville
Ulrich’s accolade marks the first time a Louisville student-athlete has earned outdoor regional recognition since Gabriela Leon was named the Southeast Region Female Athlete of the Year in 2022. Meanwhile, Cory Martin’s award is the first of its kind for a Louisville coach during the outdoor season in the program’s history.
Looking Ahead: U.S. Olympic Trials
Both Ulrich and Martin will continue their impressive journey next weekend at the United States Olympic Trials from June 21-30. Ulrich will compete in both the women’s shot put and discus, aiming for a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team.
