As the 2025 track and field season comes to a close, the West Virginia University program is walking away with not only a string of accolades, but momentum that will continue to build in the off season in preparation for the 2025-2026 season ahead. We’ve been along for the ride with Joy Naukot, Sarah Tait, and the Mountaineers all season – let’s rewind and revisit this incredible season. Read more Track and Field Season in Review: No. 9 Program of the Year.
Season Recap: Team Highlights
From the Raleigh Relays to the Mountaineer Twilight, the Mountaineers have consistently shown up to perform. Starting with the Raleigh Relays, hosted by NC State, Naukot already displayed a record-breaking performance in the 10,000-meter race, setting a new school record of 33:09.42.
On day two of the Raleigh Relays, Izayah Everett earned a personal best time in the 200-meter event, and Tait began her stride of making Mountaineer history by becoming the second fastest Mountaineer in the 5,000-meter.
Moving on to the Dalton Ebanks Invitational, multiple personal bests were achieved by Lily Haught, Zara Zervos and Sabria Jones. Day two followed with two event wins; the first coming in the women’s 400-meters by Haught, sophomore. The second event win came from Cate Pickering, Haught, Carlene Temple and Kishay Rowe in the 4×400 meter relay.
The Bison Classic was the next stop for the Mountaineers and took place on April 12th and 13th.
Temple and Audrey Hall received personal bests in the women’s 800-meters, and Aubrie Custer found her personal best in the 5,000-meter steeplechase.
Olivia Cress and Sierra Heisey also notched personal bests – Heisey even achieved two in one day!
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The Bryan Clay Invitational brought more success for Tait. In the 3,000-meter steeplechase, Tait became No. 2 in all-time West Virginia history. She finished second, and also currently holds the No. 5 national ranking in the event. Emily Bryce posted a personal best in the 5,000-meter, securing the fourth-fastest time in West Virginia outdoor history.
At the Mountaineer Twilight, the Mountaineers shined on their home turf. Cress, Pickering, Eva Rinker, and Annishka McDonald all placed first in their respective events.
Three Mountaineers were sent to participate in the Penn Relays, who were all nationally ranked. Naukot was ranked No. 6 nationally in the 10,000 meters, and No. 1 in the Mid-Atlantic region and Big 12 conference. Tait was nationally ranked in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at No. 6, and No. 24 and No. 25 in the 5,000-meters and the 1,500-meters. Kemboi was the third Mountaineer to attend and was ranked No. 22 nationally in the 5,000-meters. Naukot’s performance at the Penn Relays secured a No. 4 ranking on West Virginia’s outdoor all-time list.
The Stan Romanoski Open and the WVU Last Chance Meets were the last two meets of the regular outdoor season. At the Stan Romanoski Open, the highlight of the event was from Lexi Lamb and Naukot, who both placed first in their events. Rinker and McDonald also placed first in their events. The WVU Last Chance Meet doubled as senior day, where we recognized twelve seniors.
Star Power: Naukot and Tait
The Mountaineers as a whole were extremely successful this season, although the two consistent standouts were Joy Naukot and Sarah Tait. As stated in the Season Recap, there were many instances throughout the season in which Tait and Naukot boasted personal bests, broke school records, and ultimately showcased their grit and desire to perform.
Breaking down their successes, we first can recognize Naukot’s student-athlete of the week accomplishment! Her notable performance at the Raleigh Relays where she shattered WVU’s record in the 10,000-meter race put her on the map. By breaking this record, Naukot was breaking a record that had been in place since 2009. By doing so, she became ranked No. 1 in the Big 12 conference and Mid-Atlantic Region, as well as No. 2 nationally in the 10,000-meter.
During the Big 12 Championships, Naukot and Tait once again had standout performances. Naukot would claim the title for the women’s 10,000-meter – making WVU history. Naukot is only the second Mountaineer in program history to win the 10,000-meter at the Big 12 Outdoor Championships. Tait secured a meet record and a 3,000-meter steeplechase title, knocking down the previous standing record from 2010.
At the NCAA East First Rounds, Joy Naukot secured her trip to the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships by finishing eighth in the 10,000-meter. By doing so, she also became the seventh Mountaineer in program history to qualify for a spot in the national championship in the 10,000-meter event. Sarah Tait also secured her spot in the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships after winning the third heat of the 3,000-meter steeplechase!
NCAA Championships
On day one of the NCAA Championships, Tait entered the second heat of the steeplechase as top seed and finished fourth. This secured her spot in the event finals. In the 10,000-meters, Naukot would become the fourth Mountaineer in program history to earn a First Team All-American honor. She was rewarded with a bronze medal and the achievement of running the fastest lap during the event, with a time of 1:08.96. Day two of the event gave Tait the opportunity to place in the 3,000-meter steeplechase – and that she did. Not only did Tait secure her second career First Team All-American honor, but she also garnered a new personal best time. With this time, Tait became No. 2 all-time in program history!
Looking Ahead: 2026 Season Preview
The Mountaineers had a very successful season, and finished as strong (if not stronger) than they started. For the indoor and outdoor seasons, WVU finished in the top 25!
WVU also totaled 51 program of the year points, finishing 9th in the Terry Crawford Women’s Program of the Year standings!
With a seasoned coaching staff and rising talent, the Mountaineers are set to have yet another successful season in the 2025-2026 year. I look forward to seeing which Mountaineers will rise to the challenge and showcase their desire to grow and perform, just as Naukot and Tait did. Let’s Go Mountaineers!
