Results

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Pacific Lutheran University's Alicia-Ellalynn Soliai made her nationals debut on Friday afternoon, competing in the shot put at the 2024 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium.
 
"Alicia-Ellalynn had a great first year. She's barely scratched her potential and to be one of two freshmen to make it here shows that," said Head Coach Trey Henderson.
 
Soliai was one of just two first-years in the 22-competitor field in the shot put. Throwing in flight one, the Lakewood, Washington native fouled all three of her attempts. University of Dubuque's Chloe Reiser— the only other freshman competing— also fouled all three throws. 
 
"Obviously today wasn't what we were hoping for but to have the experience of competing here as a freshman will only make her a better athlete, competitor, and thrower. The sky is the limit for her and I'm excited to continue to build off this season."
 
The thrower punched a ticket to the NCAA meet after uncorking a personal best throw of 45 feet, 5 ¼ inches on May 11 to win the shot put at the Portland Distance Carnival hosted by Lewis & Clark College. That meet came on the heels of a seventh place showing at the Northwest Conference Championships and a third place finish in the discus at the NWC meet, earning All-Conference honors. 
 
Soliai was one of two Lutes to compete at the NCAA Championships with Carson Olmstead earning All-American honors yesterday in the javelin with a personal best throw of 206 feet, 10 inches.