SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – First-year Ashley Sheldon is making more program history as the first field athlete in Union College women's track and field history to be selected to compete in the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships, the NCAA announced on Sunday evening.
 
Sheldon is one of 20 student-athletes to qualify for the national championship in the high jump, making her only the third Union women's track and field athlete to be selected for the national meet. Soon-to-be Union Athletics Hall of Famer Allie Cuozzo '10 reached the national championship twice in the indoor 800 meters as a first-year and sophomore and is the program's only All-American, while Noemie Bechu '17 was a three-time selection in the 400 meters during her sophomore (indoors and outdoors) and junior (outdoors) seasons.

"We are so excited for Ashley with this opportunity," said head track & field head coach Laura Nardelli. "We knew from the day she came to our team that she'd be breaking records, but her work ethic and passion for her sport makes her a fun athlete to work with and a standout competitor. We are super proud of this frosh phenom!"

Sheldon qualified for the meet with a program-record leap of 1.70 meters (5'7") at the Liberty League Indoor Track and Field Championships on February 23, winning the conference title by more than four inches and tying her for the fifth-best leap in Division III this year. Grace Alley of Loras has the country's best leap so far this year, clearing 1.75 meters (5'8.75") in early February.

Sheldon, who also started every game on defense for the women's soccer team during the fall, set the school record in the 60-meter hurdles for the fifth time this season as well at the conference championships.

The 2024 NCAA Division III indoor track and field championships run from Friday, March 8 through Saturday, March 9 at the Virginia Beach Sports Center in Virginia Beach, Va. Sheldon will compete on Saturday's second day of competition, with the women's high jump set to begin at noon.