Hamrick, Joiner Represent Highlanders Well at NCAA East First Round

Thursday, May 28

Lexington, Ky.

Radford University

NCAA East First Rounds

Photo by: Radford Athletics Communications

Hamrick, Joiner Represent Highlanders Well at NCAA East First Round

5/28/2026 8:27:00 PM | Women's Track and Field

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Jeylah Hamrick and Jaelynn Joiner both made their debut in the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships on Thursday night at the University of Kentucky Track & Field Complex. A daunting task for any athlete, the duo accomplished a major achievement for themselves and for the Radford Track & Field program by just making the field the top 48 athletes in their respected events.

"I am so proud of these two representing Radford on the national level," said Director of Track & Field Shelli Sayers. "They are so young, and they gained valuable experience just being here. They will be back!"

THE BASICS
Meet: NCAA Division I East First Round
Location: UK Track & Field Complex, Lexington, Ky.
Events: 400 meters (Jeylah Hamrick) and long jump (Jaelynn Joiner)

BREAKDOWN
Hamrick opened the 400 meters in the first heat, along with several strong competitors from power conferences. Although not matching her personal best she ran to win the gold at the Big South Conference meet, the sophomore placed seventh out of eight in her heat and 43^rd overall.

The long jump is a different monster at the regional meet, and it proved to be for Joiner. Only getting three jumps (instead of the usual six including finals), the freshman could only meet a mark of 5.51 meters (18' 1").

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