Results

LA CROSSE, Wis. — Pacific Lutheran University's Madison Downey made her national meet debut in style on Saturday at the 2026 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships, logging a 13^th place finish in the triple jump.

Downey was the lone West Coast competitor among the 22-athlete field. The Salem, Oregon native finished fourth in the opening flight of the triple jump and 13^th overall, soaring 38 feet, seven and one half inch in her opening attempt of the day. Downey jumped 37' 11 ¼" in her second attempt before scratching her final jump of the day. Downey's opening leap was her second best jump of the season and her career, just short of her school record and NCAA qualifying mark of 39' 4 ½" from the Oregon Twilight Meet on May 8.

"We're really proud of Maddie's performance today," said Head Coach Trey Henderson. 

"She's had a great season and competed really well here to end her year. To have her second furthest ever jump here shows the kind of competitor she is. Coach Pat Licari has done a phenomenal job developing Maddie and I know they will continue to push to that next level.

We're excited for the work ahead and to take those next steps!"

Downey's historic season included becoming the first Lute in school history to compete in the triple jump at the NCAA Division III Championships and the first Lute to compete at a national meet in the event since Kristi Osborne jumped at the 1997 NAIA Championships.

Illinois Wesleyan University's Imani Ogunribido won the national title, soaring 42' 1 ¼" in her sixth and final jump of the day. Of the 12 competitors finishing ahead of Downey, five were seniors, putting the junior as one of the top returners in the event heading into the 2026-2027 season. 

Saturday was the NCAA debut for Downey who won her second Northwest Conference title in the triple jump this spring and was named All-West Region by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.