University of Connecticut Athletics
Highsmith Qualifies For NCAA Championships
5/30/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Track and Field
GREENSBORO, N.C. (May 30, 2006) – Sophomore Tamara Highsmith (East Haven, Conn.) qualified for the NCAA Championships in the triple jump after a stellar performance at the NCAA Regionals over the weekend. Highsmith placed ninth out of 38 triple jumpers with a mark of 13.06 meters (42’ 10 ¼”). Her mark was her second best, just shy of her school record performance of 13.22m (43’ 4 ½”) when she won the BIG EAST Championship.
“Tamara’s performance at regionals was outstanding,” said Head Coach Bill Morgan. “Individually she showed great focus and had championship poise. She represents the great success our team has enjoyed this year. I am elated with her progress and absolutely proud of this accomplishment. As a student-athlete she has certainly achieved the high standards we present to our young ladies.”
Highsmith has had an outstanding sophomore campaign to this point, adding New England titles in the 100 hurdles, 400 hurdles, and triple jump to her career list of accolades. A two-time ECAC Athlete-of-the-Week, she will hope to add to previous team success at the Nationals. Last season Deirdre Mullen became the only 5 time All-American in team history while competing in the high jump.
Also competing for UConn at the regional championships were freshman Amanda Martin (Rowley, Mass.) in the javelin, freshman Jessi Foreman (Wayland, Mass.) in the 100 and junior Jillian Sullivan (Bristol, Conn.) and sophomore Orlaith Cunningham (Branford, Conn.) in the steeplechase.
Highsmith will travel to Sacramento, Calif. on June 7-10 to compete among the best athletes in the nation.
