Hense Excited to Represent UConn at NCAA Championships

STORRS, Conn.- After a standout freshman season at UConn, Maresa Hense has continued to elevate her performances to the next level in her sophomore indoor campaign. Hense is set to compete in the pentathlon after being selected for the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships in Fayetteville, Arkansas on March 13^th, a thrilling milestone for the sophomore. "I was so excited to find out I was selected," Hense said.

Hense is the first athlete on the UConn women's team to qualify for the indoor championships since Susan Areno and Divine Oladipo both did in 2019.

The sophomore from Germany set a new program record in the pentathlon on January 24^th, scoring 4,201 points at the 2026 Penn Elite Meet, driven by a strong mental mindset. "I started the meet with a mindset of enjoying myself and trusting the practice. Before the 800m, I told myself I'd trust what I'd done before. I'm going to leave it all on the track."

Being a multi-event athlete is challenging, with competitions scattered throughout the day, but Hense is up for it. "It's all about balance. If you have a good event, you need to stay locked in and not get too excited. If you have a bad event, you shouldn't let that define you."

Hense excelled at the BIG EAST Championships, scoring 16 points in the meet, finishing third in the long jump, and claiming fourth place in both the 60m hurdles and high jump. Hense's performance of 8.57 in the hurdles is the eighth-best mark in program history.

Hense is no stranger to competing on the big stage. Last season, Hense punched her ticket to the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in the heptathlon as a freshman, taking valuable experience into this season. "Last year at outdoor, it taught me what it means to be in a competitive environment," said Hense. "It was all new last year. This year, it calms me to know that I deserve my spot." Hense scored 5,608 points to finish 15^th nationally, becoming only the second heptathlete in UConn history to earn All-America honors.

In the heat of competition, Hense is motivated to seize the opportunity in front of her. "I hope I can start where I left off at the BIG EAST Championships with two PRs. I am the only UConn competitor at nationals, and I'm excited to represent the program and all my teammates. I hope I can inspire all my teammates to keep working hard and make it to nationals."

Hense will represent the Huskies in the pentathlon Friday, beginning with the 60m hurdles at 12:15 pm (Eastern).

Pentathlon Event Schedule (Eastern Time)

12:15 pm 60 Hurdles

1:00 PM High Jump

3:10 PM Shot Put

4:10 PM Long Jump

6:00 PM 800 Meters

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Maresa Hense

Divine Oladipo

University of Connecticut Athletics