SEARCY – Nine members of the Harding University women's track and field team have earned All-Academic Athlete honors from the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) for their outstanding performance both in competition and in the classroom during the recent season.

To qualify for the prestigious individual award, student-athletes must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale through the end of the semester of competition. Additionally, they must have either finished among the top 50 individuals on the TFRRS descending order lists in their respective events, competed at the NCAA Indoor or Outdoor National Championships, or been a member of a top-35 ranked relay team (or participated in a relay at the national championships).

The nine Harding Lady Bisons recognized for their academic and athletic achievements are:

• Kiera Blankinship (Marriage and Family Counseling) – 4.00 GPA, No. 21 in Outdoor High Jump

• Jayden Bowman (Health Studies) – 3.80 GPA, Outdoor 4x400 relay

• Tetiana Kharashchuk (Kinesiology and Sport Administration) – 4.00 GPA, No. 13 in Outdoor 400 meters

• Leila Ngapout (Exercise Science) – 3.45 GPA, No. 16 in Outdoor 4x400 relay

• Omolara Ogunmakinju (Kinesiology & Sport Administration) – 3.90 GPA, No. 6 in Outdoor 400 meters

• Hanna Onufriieva (Kinesiology & Sport Administration) – 3.88 GPA, No. 9 in Outdoor Triple Jump

• Josie Parks (Exercise Science) – 3.87 GPA, No. 40 in 3,000-meter steeplechase

• Cadence Sansom (Criminal Justice) – 3.85 GPA, No. 17 in Outdoor Pole Vault

• Karyna Vehner (Kinesiology & Sport Administration) – 3.67 GPA, No. 12 in Outdoor Triple Jump

In addition to the individual honors, the Harding women's track and field team earned the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team award, boasting a cumulative team GPA of 3.58. To qualify for this team distinction, programs must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

About the USTFCCCA All-Academic Awards: The USTFCCCA annually recognizes NCAA Division I, II, and III student-athletes and teams for their academic achievements in collegiate cross country and track & field. These awards highlight the commitment of student-athletes to excellence in both their athletic endeavors and academic pursuits.