EUGENE, Ore. – Ten Conference USA student-athletes earned All-America honors at last weekend’s NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. FIU, Kennesaw State, Liberty, LA Tech, Sam Houston and UTEP saw athletes receive recognition following their performances.
 
FIU’s Michaelle Valentin earned her first-ever First Team All-America honor after placing eighth in women’s discus. Valentin's throw of 59.67 meters was the second-best in her flight and seventh-best in the opening round.

Kennesaw State’s Chance Cross placed 11^th in the men’s 100m semifinals with a time of 10.17 to earn Second Team All-America honors. His 10.17 mark ranks fifth in program history. Kali Terza also earned Second Team All-America recognition, finishing 13^th in women’s hammer with a toss of 64.98m (213'2"). Her finish was the highest by an Owl in this event at the NCAA Championships.

Liberty’s Paola Bueno’s first attempt in the women’s hammer measured 64.78 (212’6”), placing 16^th in the final to earn All-America honors for the second consecutive year. She made program history becoming the first Lady Flame thrower to earn multiple All-America honors.

LA Tech’s Oscar Smith finished 10^th in the men’s 110m hurdles, just short of advancing to Friday’s final. Smith clocked a time of 13.45 and earned All-America recognition, becoming the first Bulldog since 2016 to receive second team honors.

Sam Houston’s 4x100m relay team consisting of Xzamion Parker, Javian Johnson, Jayden Jones and Tyriq Brunn placed 11^th with a season-best time of 39.03 to earn Second Team All-America honors.

UTEP’s Marissa Simpson placed 10^th in the women’s 100m with a time of 12.97. Simpson concludes her collegiate campaign with a personal-best finish at the NCAA championships and her second All-American accolade after finishing 16^th in 2023.