Written By Rev. Justin C. Jackson

The North American University Lady Stallions continued building momentum during the 2026 outdoor track & field season with strong national performances at the USCAA Track & Field National Championships in Indiana, Pennsylvania.

Competing against programs from across the country, the Lady Stallions showcased resilience, development, and the continued growth of NAU women's athletics on the national stage.

Leading the way for NAU was Laila Williams, who delivered a podium performance in the Women's 100-Meter Hurdles, earning a 3rd-place national finish and securing All-American recognition. Williams' performance highlighted both her speed and technical discipline as she battled against some of the top hurdlers in the USCAA.

Distance standout Elina Gonzalez also continued her remarkable freshman campaign by earning a 3rd-place national finish in the Women's 3000-Meter Steeplechase. Gonzalez has quickly become one of the emerging faces of the NAU track program, consistently competing with determination and endurance throughout the season.

Beyond her performances on the track, Gonzalez also represented excellence in the classroom, earning recognition as the USCAA Scholar-Athlete for the women's program. Her ability to balance academic achievement with national-level competition reflects the student-athlete culture North American University continues striving to build.

Throughout the season, the Lady Stallions continued showing growth across multiple events including hurdles, middle distance, jumps, and sprints. While the roster remains young in several areas, the national experience gained this season provides a strong foundation for the future of the women's program.

The 2026 campaign also reflected the dedication of several student-athletes who balanced responsibilities across multiple sports while continuing to compete at a national level in track & field. That level of commitment helped create valuable depth and competitive energy throughout the season.

Looking ahead, the future structure of the program may feature fewer two-sport athletes as coaches across the department continue emphasizing specialized preparation, stronger recovery management, and overall athlete health during the competitive calendar.

Even so, the Lady Stallions embraced every challenge this season and continued proving that North American University belongs in the national conversation.

With All-American performances, academic honors, and valuable championship experience now added to the foundation, the Lady Stallions continue moving forward with confidence and momentum into the next era of NAU Track & Field.