MARION, Ind. – The final day of competition at the 2024 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championship has come to a close from Indiana. With two more Warriors on the schedule to compete, Jessup ends its time in the NAIA with an All-American finish.
"It was a bittersweet championship for the Warriors, knowing it was the final NAIA national championship for our program," said head coach
Jeff Magley. "But to have five athletes competing in nine events and to be leaving the championship with a runner-up All-American finish, two new school records, and two additional top 12 finishes is a great way to end our final chapter in the NAIA."
The highlight of the week came on Friday, as freshman
Julia Pisenti earned All-American honors in the discus. With a top mark of 50.57m, Pisenti finishes as the national runner-up, breaking her own Jessup record in the process.
On Pisenti's performance, Magley added, "What a special way to cap off a special season for this freshman. When it counted the most, she produced a huge PR, going over 50 meters for the first time in her career, with three of her throws all over 160 feet. It's such a special series for her to end her season."
Magley added, "Her second-place finish is the second-highest finish by a Jessup athlete behind Bailey Cossentine's two national titles, and to do that as a freshman in her first national championship is a testament to her work ethic and drive that she displayed all year in the discus."
Pisenti competed three times this week, as she added performances in the javelin and shot put.
Joining Pisenti in the discus field was
Jessica Pedretti, as the senior wrapped up her collegiate career with her third event of the 2024 national championship.
Pedretti produced a PR of her own, as she finished 12th with a top mark of 45.27m.
On Pedretti's showing, Magley added, "I'm so incredibly proud of Jessica to finish her decorated career at Jessup at the National Championships in three events. And then today, in her final competition to throw a huge PR, going over 45 meters in the discus and finishing in the top 12 in both the discus and javelin is such a special accomplishment for her. She finishes her career as the most decorated thrower in school history and leaves a tremendous legacy."
Five Warriors competed this week in Indiana, and the program has now shifted its attention to the next era of NCAA Division II.
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Jessup University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC). For additional information regarding Jessup Athletics, visit www.jessupathletics.com; visit www.jessup.edu for more information on Jessup University. Follow Jessup Athletics on social media: Jessup University Athletics (Facebook) and @JessupAthletics (Twitter & Instagram).
