Cardinals Welcome 28 Newcomers

Louisville Cardinals in action during the Lenny Lyles / Clark Wood Invitational at Cardinal Park on April 27.

Photo by: Jeff Reinking | Louisville Athletics

September 10, 2020 | Cross Country, Track & Field

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The University of Louisville men's and women's track and field teams have welcomed 28 talented newcomers to the program as announced by head coach Dale Cowper.

"Our coaching staff is thrilled to welcome this group of newcomers to campus," said Cowper. "We genuinely believe these students chose UofL for the right reasons and each will have the opportunity to build upon the culture being established within our program. Several will have the opportunity to make an immediate athletic impact at the ACC and NCAA level."

The Louisville track and field and cross country newcomers are listed below:

McKenzie Bell (Louisville, Kentucky / Sacred Heart), Long Sprints
Events in high school: 200m, 400m, 800m
Personal Records:
                              • 400m: 55.77
                              • 800m: 2:13.48
Prep/High School Honors:
• 2018 first place AAU Nationals in the 800m
• 2018 first place state meet 400m
• 2018 second place state meet 200m
Assistant Coach Tony Williams on McKenzie Bell
"It's always exciting to add local talent to your team especially when it's a student athlete like McKenzie Bell. McKenzie is a talented long sprinter that specializes in the 400m and 800m and I look forward to watching her develop at the University of Louisville."
McKenzie Bell on why she chose Louisville
"I chose Louisville because it has a five-year masters engineering program. I like the coaches and the team had a good relationship. Everyone was very welcoming."

Myecia Bright (Louisville, Kentucky. / duPont Manual), Cross Country, Distance
Events: Cross Country, 800m, Mile, 5K, 4X4, 4X8
Personal Records:
                                • 800m: 2:18
                                • Mile: 5:08
                                • 5K: 18:52
Prep/High School Honors:
• Helped Manual to a pair of state titles cross country team was a two-time state champion
• Two-time 4X800 state champions
• Finished 19^th in the 2017 NXN
Assistant Coach Jenna Wreiden on Myecia Bright
"Myecia is a local talent from right across the street. We know she comes from a high school program that focuses on developing character and a competitive desire to improve. She will be an integral part of our success as a team. The sky is the limit for Myecia."
Myecia Bright on why she chose Louisville
"I loved the coaches and the team made me feel comfortable automatically."

Emma Bryant (Troy, Ohio / Miami (OH)), Cross Country, Distance
Events: Cross Country, 1500m, 3000m
Personal Records:
                                • 6K(XC): 22:16.7
                                • 5K(XC): 17:45.7
                                • 3000m: 10:17:56
                                • 1500m: 4:40.39
                                • Mile: 5:01:37
At Miami (Ohio):
• 2019 Second-Team All-MAC
• Two-time Academic All-MAC Team
• MAC Runner of the Week (Sept. 2019)
Prep/High School Honors:
• Garnered All-Ohio honors
• Named All-Ohio Academic
• Won the 2014 OATCCC indoor state track meet 1-mile run
• Finished third at the 2015 OATCCC indoor state track meet 1 mile run
• Finished ninth at OHSAA cross country meet
• Registered an 8th place finish in 1600m at OHSAA state meet (2014, 2015).
Assistant Coach Jenna Wreiden on Emma Bryant
"Emma is part of a small group of women that decided to become Cardinals during a very difficult recruiting climate with the NCAA dead period restrictions taking hold this spring. We really got to know her and her family and know that with her health as a priority, she can make a major impact in our program moving forward."
Emma Bryant on why she chose Louisville
"I loved the school and the opportunities it has to offer with my future career in medicine. Additionally, I got a great vibe from the team and can tell they have a strong sense of dedication for the sport and I'm looking forward to what we can accomplish together. The coaches were also very helpful in making my decision."

Riley Burger (New Hamburg, Missouri / Notre Dame Regional), Jumps
Events in high school: 100m, 200m, 400m, 4X200m, 4X200m, Triple Jump, Long Jump, High Jump
Personal Records:
                                • Triple Jump: 41'3"
                                • Long Jump: 19'5"
Prep/High School Honors:
• Three-time state champion in triple jump
• State champion in long jump
• Nine-time all-state track and field selection
• 2019 Southeast Missourian Track and Field Athlete of the Year
• Helped lead Notre Dame Regional High School to a top-six finish in the state championship
• Holds school records for 100m, 200m, 4X200m, 4X400m, Triple Jump, Long Jump, High Jump and Distance Medley
Assistant Coach Jeff Petersmeyer on Riley Burger
"Riley had a fantastic high school career, not only in track & field but in softball and basketball. Her junior year she won the 4A long jump and triple jump, while finishing 4^th in the high jump and has won a total of four state titles. She's very competitive and her background as a multi-sport athlete and her history of representing Team USA in international competitions will only help her develop further here at UofL."
Riley Burger on why she chose Louisville
"It felt like home. I felt invited in and not like I was forcing myself to like it."

Claire Bushur (Teutopolis, Illinois / Teutopolis HS), Throws
Events: Shotput, Discus
Personal Records:
                                • Discus: 140'8"
                                • Shot Put: 45'5"
Prep/High School Honors:
• 2019 IHSA Discus State Champion, finished second in 2018
• Finished second in 2019 IHSA Shot Put Championship, fourth place in 2018, sixth place in 2017
• Finished runner-up in the 2019 Top Times Indoor State Shot Put Championship
• Holds Teutopolis High School Record for Shot Put and Discus
Head Coach Dale Cowper on Claire Bushur
"Claire not only joins us as one of the top dual event throwers in the Midwest but she has proven herself to be a tremendous student as well. We continue to search for outstanding students that are able to compete at the highest level of sport within our throws group and she fits the mold perfectly. She has had the opportunity to contend for championships in the past and will be a big part of our program in the future!"
Claire Bushur on why she chose Louisville
"I chose UofL because I loved the campus and the people were very welcoming."

Rachel Darden (Mansfield, Texas / Mansfield Legacy HS), Jumps
Events: Long Jump, Triple Jump
Personal Records:
                                • Long Jump: 18'5
                                • Triple Jump: 40.5
Prep/High School Honors:
• Played for 2019 5A State Champion Mansfield Legacy High School
Assistant Coach Jeff Petersmeyer on Rachel Darden
"Rachel was the Texas 5A state champion in the triple jump her junior year so I'm excited about her potential here. Like many in this freshman group, Rachel, has competed well in a tough state and competed well at the Great Southwest meet and USA Junior Olympics. She has a good future ahead of her here in the horizontal jumps."
Rachel Darden on why she chose Louisville

"As soon as i stepped onto campus it was just such a welcoming environment and it honestly just felt like home. UofL also gives me the best academic and athletic opportunities."

Spencer Freiberger (Floyds, Knobs, Indiana / Floyd Central), Multi-Events
Events: Long Jump, High Jump, 4X100m
Personal Records:
                                • Long Jump: 16'3.5"
                                • High Jump: 5'5"
Prep/High School Honors:
• Two-time all-conference selection in High Jump (2017, 2019)
• Helped Floyd Central to the 2018 Regional Championship and three sectional titles (2017, 2018, 2019)
Assistant Coach Brooke Rasnick on Spencer Frieberger
"Spencer comes to us from right across the river at Floyd Central. She specialized in the high jump and will be expanding into the combined events in our program. She's excited to take on the challenge of learning new events and the chance to compete at this level."
Spencer Freiberger on why she chose Louisville
"I chose Louisville because it feels like home and I was given a lot of opportunities"

Callie Friske (St. Petersburg, Florida / Memphis / Calvary Christian High School), Cross Country, Distance
Events at Memphis: Cross Country, 6000m, 5000m
• AAC All-Academic Team
• Finished in eighth place at the Rhodes College Invitational
Personal Records:
                                • 6K: 21:43.9
                                • 5K: 18:24.0
High School/Prep Honors:
• Named Calvary Christian High School's Female Athlete of the Year
• Posted an eighth-place finish in 3200m at the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) State Championships
• Finished in sixth place in the 1600m at the FHSAA State Championship
Assistant Coach Jenna Wreiden on Callie Friske
"Callie was also part of a challenging transfer process and we know has a strong desire to be here. She will thrive here in a supportive group environment. We are looking forward to working with her."
Callie Friske on why she chose Louisville
"I chose Louisville because of the coaches in the program, the teammates and the academics.

Zach Frye (Roselle, Illinois / Lake Park), Pole Vault
Events in high school: Pole Vault, Long Jump
Personal Records:
                                • Pole Vault: 16'
                                • Long Jump: 20'2.5
Prep/High School Honors:
• 2019 Illinois State Champion (Pole Vault)
• Sectional Champion (Pole Vault)
• Indoor School Record Holder
• All-Conference selection
• Proviso West Invitational Meet record holder
• Coach DiDomenico Meet record holder
• Batavia Facility record holder
Assistant Coach Brooke Rasnick on Zach Frye
"Zach showed great progress in his short senior year indoor season before everything was cancelled due to COVID. He brings excitement and an enthusiasm for progress that will push himself and his teammates to new heights."
Zach Frye on why he chose Louisville:
"I chose UofL because of the facilities and coaching staff. The school and its location in the country will allow me to build an interesting and filled resume before I even graduate."

William Gunning (Ashland, Kentucky / Russell), Throws
Events in high school: Shot Put, Discus
Personal Records:
                                • Shot put: 47'3.5"
Prep/High School Honors:
• Finished sixth in Shot Put at the 2019 KHSAA 2A Outdoor State Championship
• Finished third in Shot Put at the 2019 KHSAA 2A Outdoor Region 6 Championship
• Also lettered in football
Head Coach Dale Cowper on Will Gunning
"I'm excited to have Will join us this fall. He is a natural fit for our school of engineering and is truly passionate about the throwing events. Throwers from Russel High School have a strong history in our program and I'm looking forward to seeing if Will can build upon that foundation."
Will Gunning on why he chose Louisville
"I chose Louisville because of the engineering school and the campus. I feel it is the best place for me to advance myself academically. It is a great atmosphere that I want to be part of."

Jenna Hensley (Monroe, Ohio / Monroe High School), Jumps
Events: High Jump
Personal Records:
                                • High Jump: 5'6
Prep/High School Honors:
• Four-time all-state selection (first team twice, second team twice_
• All-Greater Cincinnati first team selection)
• Owns school record for high jump
• Finished in first place at the Southwestern Buckeye League Meet (2019)
• Conference, District and Regional champion in High Jump
• Posted a runner-up finish at OHSAA Regional (2019)
• Finished third OHSAA Southwest District Meet in 2019 and fourth in 2017
Assistant Coach Jeff Petersmeyer on Jenna Hensley
"After I saw Jenna jump at the Ohio State meet her junior year (where she took 4^th place), I thought she was someone who could really take-off her senior season. Unfortunately, she didn't get to have that season, but she came out at her first indoor meet and set a personal best of 5'6" in January, so I am confident she can continue to improve and make an impact for us in the high jump."
Jenna Hensley on why she chose Louisville
"Everyone kept telling me on all of my visits that I'll just know when I was at the right place, and Louisville was the only place that I actually got that feeling for. After my visit I just knew it was where I needed to end up."

Raeli Howerton (Liberty, Missouri / Liberty High School), Throws
Events in high school: Javelin
Personal Record:
                                • Javelin: 132'2"
Prep/High School Honors:
• State Qualifier (2019)
• District Champion (2019)
• Helped Liberty High School to the district title and a third-place finish in the state championship (2018)
• Won the silver medal at the AAU Junior Olympic Games (2019)
• Also played softball for Liberty High School, earning all-state honors. Finished her career as the school's all-time leader in career home runs, RBI and slugging percentage.
Head Coach Dale Cowper on Raeli Howerton
"Raeli made the trek east from Missouri in order to pursue a bright future in the javelin. She has also proven herself as an academic scholar and will immediately help our program maintain competitiveness in an event area that was decimated from graduation last spring."
Raeli Howerton on why she chose Louisville
"As soon as I got on campus it felt like home. Everyone on campus is so nice. I feel like UofL will help me reach my full potential as a student and an athlete."

Jason Krell (Charlotte, N.C. / Providence Day), Cross Country, Distance
Events in high school: 5K, 800m, 1600m, 3200m
Personal Records:
                                • 5K: 15:38
                                • 800m: 1:57
                                • 1600m: 4:18
                                • 3200: 9:37
Prep/High School Honors:
• 2019 NCISAA 1600 State Champion
• 2019 NCISAA 3200 State Runner-Up
• Three-time all-state (cross country)
• Four-time all-conference selection (cross country)
• Four-time all-state and all-conference (track)
• Member of the 4X1600 and Distance Medley Relay school-record team
• Helped Providence Day School to a pair of state championships and four conference titles in cross country and two state titles.
• Posted an all-American finish as part of the DMR team
Cross Country Associate Head Coach Coach Joe Walker III on Jason Krell
"Jason is a Card through and through. He has a work ethic and character that we are always looking for in the recruiting process. He comes from a great high school program that develops student athletes at a high level and we expect the transition to our program to be very smooth."
Jason Krell on why he chose Louisville
"The connection I had with the coaches and how I could see myself being successful. It's an out of state school with a really good sport administration program."

Ashley Lawhorn (Frankfort, Kentucky / Univ. of Southern Indiana / Franklin HS) Distance
Events: 800m, 1500m, Mile, 3000m, 5000m, 4X400m, 4X800m
Personal Records:
                                • 800m: 2:26.50
                                • 1500m: 4:53.70
                                • Mile: 5:19.31
                                • 3000m: 10:27.89
                                • 5000: 17:53.36
At University of Southern Indiana (Track):
• Eight-time Academic All-GLVC honoree in cross country and track combined
• Posted a 13^th place finish at the NCAA Division II Cross Country Nationals (2019)
• Finished fifth in the 3,000 meters and 13th in the 5,000 meters at the2018-19 GLVC Indoor Championships.
• Placed second in the 3,000 meters at the John Craft Invitational and second in the 800 meters at the Tom Hathaway Distance Classic.
• Carded a seventh-place finish in the 10,000 meters and a ninth-place finish in the 5,000 meters at the 2018-19 Outdoor GLVC Championships; posted three top-five finishes during the 2019-18 outdoor season
• Helped USI's 4x400-meter relay team to an 11th-place showing at the 2017-18 Indoor GLVC Championships
• Won the 3,000 meters at the 2017-18 Tiger Small College Invitational
• Finished fifth in the 10,000 meters at the 2018 Outdoor GLVC Championships
Prep/High School Honors:
• Member of three state qualifying teams and four county championships
• Three-time All-State honoree in cross country course.
• Finished 19th at both the 2014 and 2015 KHSAA 2A State Cross Country Championships
• Four-time All-County champion in cross country and a six-time All-County champion in track
• Earned a combined six All-Region awards
• Earned a pair of All-State accolades on the track as a sophomore in 2014 after finishing seventh in the 800 meters and eighth in the 1,600 meters at the KHSAA 2A Outdoor Championships
• Finished her career as a combined 10-time state qualifier on the track.
Assistant Coach Jenna Wreiden on Ashley Lawhorn
"Ashley is coming back to her hometown to pursue a graduate degree in anthropology. We were able to follow her career for the past few years and know she has tremendous potential to develop in the longer distances and compete in a very competitive 10k this spring."
Ashley Lawhorn on why she chose Louisville
"I chose Louisville, because it is close to home."

Ariel Lawrence (Atlanta, Georgia / Dunwoody High School), Jumps
Events in high school: Long Jump, Triple Jump, 100m, 200m, 300m hurdles, 4X100m relay
Personal Records:
                                • Long Jump: 19'08.50
                                • Triple Jump: 39'03
Prep/High School Honors:
• Two-time USATF Junior Olympic Track & Field All-Americans (2018, 2019)
• Finished fifth in the Long Jump and Eighth in the Triple Jump at the USATF Nationals
• Helped Dunwoody High School two state championships
• Won the Georgia 6A state title in the Long Jump (2018)
• Five-time regional champion
• Owns school record for triple jump and long jump
• Also lettered in basketball and became the first player 1,000 point scorer in her high school's history.
Assistant Coach Jeff Petersmeyer on Ariel Lawrence
"Ariel is a two-time high school All-American as she was fifth in the Long Jump and eighth for Triple Jump in 2019 at USATF nationals. She also won the Georgia 6A state title in the Long Jump in 2018. Additionally, Ariel was a standout basketball player and was a part of the state championship track team.   Ariel has a bright future in the horizontal jumps here at Louisville as she works hard and is passionate about the jumps."
Ariel Lawrence on why she chose Louisville "I'll never forget when Coach Pete came to Atlanta for a home visit to meet me and my parents for the first time. I was so excited for my official visit. During my official visit, I already knew Louisville was the school for me because it felt like home! I love the team, academics, campus, diversity, atmosphere, and especially the coaches. Everything about Louisville is amazing! I'm looking forward to a bright future here at Louisville! GO CARDS!"

Justin Lehmkuhler (Versailles, Kentucky, Woodford County HS), Multi-Events
Events in high school: High Jump, 110m hurdles
Personal Records:
                                • 110 Hurdles: 14.97
                                • High Jump: 6'6"
High School/Preps Honors:
• Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) 3A State Champion (High Jump)
• Owns Woodford County High School record (110 hurdles)
Assistant Coach Brooke Rasnick on Justin Lehmkuhler
"We are excited to add Justin to our roster as a combined event athlete. He achieved success at the high school level in the high jump and hurdles in the state of Kentucky and will learn the other events of the decathlon. He has a great attitude and he can't wait to have the opportunity to continue progressing."
Justin Lehmkuhler on why he chose Louisville
"I chose UofL because they have one of the top engineering schools in the country."

Liliana Martinez (St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands / HS), Gifft Hill School, Cross Country, Distance
Events in high school: Cross Country
Prep/High School Honors:
• Captain of her high school cross country team
Assistant Coach Jenna Wreiden on Liliana Martinez
"As an individual, Liliana is full of qualities that we look for here at UofL. She is positive, persistent, grateful, and will be an amazing teammate. Being fairly new to the sport from a competitive aspect, we feel she has a lot of room for growth and improvement. "
Liliana Martinez on why she chose Louisville
"I decided to attend the University of Louisville after touring Speed School and talking with the head of Admissions. I knew that I would be challenged academically as well as supported on any of my future endeavors."

Anastasia Newsome (Elizabethtown, Kentucky / Elizabethtown High School), Cross Country, Distance
Events: Cross Country
Personal Records:
                                • 5K: 20:59.7
Prep/High School:
• Helped Elizabethtown to a KHSAA Cross Country Team Region Runner-Up finish
• Named to the KTCCCA Academic All-State Cross Country First Team
• 2013 All-American in Cross Country
Assistant Coach Jenna Wreiden on Anastasia Newsome
"Anastasia is another Kentucky native with huge potential to grow and develop in this league. She has a great attitude and we look forward to working with her."
Anastasia Newsome on why she chose Louisville
"It's like a family here, with the utmost support in both athletics and academics."

Sean Roth (Düsseldorf, Germany / German Sport University / Goethe Gymnasium Düsseldorf), Pole Vault
Events in high school: Pole Vault, Decathlon
Personal Records:
                                • Pole Vault: 17'4.75" (5.30m)
High School/Prep Honors:
• Owns the Irish Under-23 record (Pole Vault)
• Captured the Irish National Indoor Title (Pole Vault)
• Member of the two-time European Championship team
Assistant Coach Brooke Rasnick on Sean Roth
"We can't wait to see Sean on the pole vault runway in a Louisville uniform. He has trained with high level athletes and coaches in Germany and will bring another level to our men's vault program. He will be a heavy-hitter in the ACC with his eye on making a splash at the NCAA Championships this spring."
Sean Roth on why he chose Louisville
"The effort and passion that is put into the programs (education and athletics) is just outstanding."

Adar Sheere (Givatayim, Israel / Memphis / Mekif HS), Throws
Event: Discus, Shot Put, Hammer Throw, Weight Throw
Personal Records:
                                • Discus: 189'3"
                                • Shot Put: 54' 7.25"
                                • Hammer Throw: 188'4"
                                • Weight Throw: 64' 2.5"
At Memphis:
• Was a finalist in the 2019 European U23 Championships (Discus)
• NCAA All-America honorable mention in Discus (2019 Outdoor)
• NCAA All-America honorable mention in Discus (2019 Outdoor)
• Named American Athletic Conference Male Freshman of the Year (2019 Outdoor)
• Won the men's discus title and was fourth in the men's hammer
Head Coach Dale Cowper on Adar Sheere
"Adar brings tremendous maturity into our program as an experienced three-event thrower. During his freshman campaign he was able to win the American Athletic Conference title in the Discus Throw en route to being named the Conference Freshman of the Year and advancing the NCAA Championships later that season. He joins our program for all of the right reasons and I'm personally looking forward to the challenge of helping him reach his athletic goals while pursuing a business degree across campus."
Adar Sheere on why he chose Louisville
"The place seemed like a big one united family, and the campus, facilities and staff and coaches welcome you!"

Sarah Terzotis (Pittsboro, N.C. / Northwood HS / UNC Wilmington), Cross Country, Distance
Events: Cross country, 1500m, 3000m, 5000m
Personal Records:
                                • 5K: 20:59.7
                                • 6K: 24:41.8
                                • 5000m: 19:34
                                • 3000m: 11:12.95
                                • 1500m: 5:22.33
                                • 1000m: 3:17:31
At UNC Wilmington (2018-19) Raced in all four events during rookie season...Made collegiate debut on Friday, Sept. 7, with sixth place finish (21:29) at Coastal Carolina Invitational...Finished 73rd (24:41) at CAA Championships in Farmingdale, N.Y.
High School/Prep Honors:
• Named Most Improved in Cross Country at Northwood High School in 2014
• MVP in 2015, 2016 and 2017
• Two-time All-Big Eight Conference for Chargers (2015, 2017)
• Competed in state championships in sophomore, junior and senior seasons
Assistant Coach Jenna Wreiden on Sarah Terzotis
"We have very high expectations for Sarah. We feel she has some untapped potential and are excited to see that develop over the next couple of years."
Sarah Terzotis on why she chose Louisville
"I chose Louisville because of the welcoming team members and coaching staff; fantastic educational institute for my major."

Kambi Walker (Florence, New Jersey / Paul VI), Jumps
Events in high school: High Jump, 100m, 200m, 100m Hurdles
Personal Highlights/Records:
                                • High Jump: 5'7
Prep/High School Honors:
• Ranks eighth on South Jersey's All-Time High Jump list
• Finished third at the New Balance Indoor Nationals (2019)
• Three-time sectional champion
• Three-time state group champion
Assistant Coach Jeff Petersmeyer on Kambi Walker
"Kam finished third at the New Balance Indoor Nationals in 2019. She has a tremendous passion for the sport and can contribute immediately for us in the high jump. I'm excited about her potential in the high jump as she's competed against some of the best in the country and has thrived in those competitions."
Kambi Walker on why she chose Louisville "I chose UofL because the team and community felt like home."

Brooke Weimer (Boise, Idaho / Cole Valley Christian), Jumps/Multi-Events
Events in high school: Long Jump, Triple Jump, 100m, 200m, 100m Hurdles, 300m Hurdles, 400m, Heptathlon
Personal Records:
                                • Long Jump: 19'10"
                                • Triple Jump: 38'8.5"
                                • 100m: 12.27
                                • 200m: 24.74
                                • 100m Hurdles: 43.7
                                • 400m: 56.98
Prep/High School Honors:
• USATF All-American with a fourth-place finish in the Heptathlon at the USATF National Junior Olympic Championships (2019)
• 2019 Simplot Games Champion in Long Jump
• Owns seven state titles
• Two-Time State Long Jump Champion (2017, 2019)
• State 100m Champion (2019)
• State 200m Champion (2019)
• State 110m Hurdles Champion (2019)
• State Medley Champion (2018)
Assistant Coach Jeff Petersmeyer on Brooke Weimer
"Brooke has tremendous raw athletic ability. She is a multiple-time state champion in the 100m, 200m, 100H, and long jump. She is a multi-event athlete who can help the program in several events. Like many others in this freshman group, she's performed especially well in major competitions like the 2019 Simplot Games, where she won the long jump."
Brooke Weimer on why she chose Louisville:
"I chose Louisville because it is something totally different and new."

Ashley Wight (Charlestown, Indiana / Charlestown HS), Distance
Events in high school: Cross Country, 200m, 400m, 4X400m relay, 4X800m relay
Personal Records:
                                • 200m: 28.05
                                • 400m: 1:01.15
Prep/High School Honors:
• 2020 Charlestown High School Female Athlete of the Year
• 2020 News and Tribune Sports Performance Yearly Awards finalist
• Named to the all-area, all-conference and all-sectional teams (2019)
• Two-time semi-state finalist in cross country
• Two-time regional qualifier in the 400m dash
• Posted a first place finish at the New Washington Invite (XC)
• 2018 sectional champion in 400m dash
• Helped the Charlestown High School cross country team to the Mid-Southern Conference and Sectional titles as well as a pair of state semifinal appearances and a third place showing at the regional cross country championship.
Assistant Coach Jenna Wreiden on Ashley Wight
"Ashley has a strong desire to be here and take her running to the next level. She has a good history as a middle-distance runner and will certainly grow as a cross country athlete, enhancing the depth of our women's team.
Ashley Wight on why she chose Louisville "I chose Louisville because of the academics."

Hadiya Williams (Louisville, Kentucky / Tennessee State / Male HS), Sprints
Events: 55m, 200m, 60m Hurdles, 100m Hurdles, 400m Hurdles
Personal Records:
                                • 55m: 7.89
                                • 200m: 27.35
                                • 60m Hurdles: 9.24
                                • 100m Hurdles: 15.41
                                • 400m Hurdles: 1:16.10
At Tennessee State:
• Ran a 60m hurdles time of 9.33 at the Vanderbilt Opener in first collegiate meet
• Took 12th in the prelims of the 60m hurdles (9.24) at the OVC Indoor Championship
• Posted a 1:16.10 finish in the 400m hurdles at the APSU Invitational
• Turned in a 15.41 finish in the 100m hurdles at the Georgia Tech Invitational
• Named to the Ohio Valley Conference Commissioner's Honor Roll (3.25+ GPA).
Prep/High School Honors:
• Named 2017 Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year by the Courier Journal
• Helped Louisville Male HS to back-to-back KHSAA State Championships in 2015-16 and 2016-17
• Won the individual 3-A State Championship in the 100m hurdles as a senior, while taking second in the 300m hurdles and with the 4x100m relay
• Placed 13th in the state in the triple jump during senior year
• Secured third in 100m hurdles at the State Championships as a junior.
Assistant Coach Tony Miller on Hadiya Williams
"Hadiya joins the program seeking the opportunity to challenge her limits as a collegiate hurdler. It's always exciting to see athletes take a chance at something new and I look forward to watching Hadiya develop as a Cardinal."
Hadiya Williams on why she chose Louisville
"I chose Louisville, because it's close to home and they have a great track program!"

Jaelynn Williams (Prosper, Texas / Prosper HS), Sprints
Events in high school: 100m, 200m, Distance Medley Relay, 4X100, 4X400, 4X200
Personal Records:
                                • 60m: 7.60
                                • 100m: 11.94
                                • 200m: 24:59
                                • Long Jump: 18'4"
Prep/High School Honors:
• 2020 Prosper High School MVP
• 2020 News and Tribune Sports Performance Yearly Awards finalist
• 2019 Texas 6A, District 9 100m Champion
• 2018 AAU Junior Olympic 4x100m Relay Gold Medalist
• Named 2018 Team Quest Top Performer
Assistant Coach Tony Miller on Jaelynn Williams
"I think Jaelynn is going to surprise a lot people in the sprints this season. I think she will develop to the ACC Championship level as a sprinter and become an NCAA first round qualifier in her first year."
Jaelynn Williams on why she chose Louisville
"I selected UofL because it felt a lot like home. The coaching staff demonstrates many of core values that I have. I have a very close-knit family and UofL felt like family. I believe my time at UofL will help me make a difference and be part of something larger than myself. I honored to be included in the UofL Family."

Kiyah Yeast (Greenwood, Indiana / Center Grove HS), Sprints
Events in high school: 60m, 100m, 200m, 4X100m Relay, 4X400 Relay
Personal Records:
                                • 60m: 7:52
                                • 100m: 11:61
                                • 200m: 24:23
Prep/High School Honors:
• 2019 60m indoor state champion
• 2019 third place finish in 100m state championship
• 3rd place 200m; 5th place 60m in 2019 New Balance Indoor Nationals (Emerging Elite)
• 2018 USATF Junior Olympic All-American
• Earned a total of six All-State accolades
Assistant Coach Tony Miller on Kiyah Yeast
"Kiyah is one of the most talented sprinters in the class of 2020. She has the ability to compete in 100m, 200m and the relays. I really believe that Kiyah can develop into one of the premier 200m runners in college track and field. Watch out for this young lady."
Kiyah Yeast on why she chose Louisville
"I chose UofL because I felt like Coach Cowper and Coach Miller really believed in me and it's perfect for me academically. I was really comfortable around the team and on campus when I visited. It just felt like home."

Zoë Yeast (Harrodsburg, Kentucky / Center Grove HS), Throws
Events in high school: Shot Put, Discus
Personal Records:
                                • Shot Put: 39'3
                                • Discus: 130'3
Prep/High School Honors:
• Won the state Discus title (2019) and accumulated over 200 points throughout the season
• Won the state Discus title (2018), finished second in Shot Put
• Won the state titles in Discus and Shot Put (2017)
Head Coach Dale Cowper on Zoë Yeast
"Zoë was able to win four state championships in the throwing events during her career at Mercer County High School. I genuinely believe she has the ability, passion, personality, and competitiveness to continue building upon the strong history of Kentuckians that have been a critical part our women's throws squad over the last 15 years. We always want the best student-athletes from the surrounding area to take a close look at UofL and she will prove to be a tremendous fit."
Zoë Yeast on why she chose Louisville
"It just felt like the perfect fit for me and I also have a lot of family there so that's reassuring as well. But the entire program and athletes I met are all amazing people."