SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – For the third straight year, junior Ashley Sheldon is heading back to the national championships, as she was selected to compete in the high jump at the 2026 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 second Union women's indoor track and field athlete – Allison Cuozzo '10, HOF '24 being the other – to qualify for multiple national meets. She also joins Noemie Bechu '17 as the only two Union female student-athletes to qualify for three NCAA Track & Field Championships over a career.

"Ashley is a joy to watch compete," said head cross country and track & field coach Chris Collier. "She is composed under pressure and has been incredibly resilient throughout the winter season. We are excited to see her showcase her experience and hard work this weekend."
 
Sheldon put herself in good position for qualification with a leap of 1.67 meters (5'5.75") at the Liberty League Indoor Track and Field Championships on February 28, winning her third conference title (and second indoors) in three years. She then firmed up her spot by clearing 1.70 meters (5'7") to match her own program record and take first place at the All-Atlantic Region Track & Field Conference Championships on Saturday. Her AARTFC leap tied her for the eighth-best height in Division III this year, and she will be seeded eighth at nationals. Allie Wildsmith of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy has the country's best leap so far this outdoor season, clearing 1.81 meters (5'11.25") in mid-February.

"Ashley is an incredibly talented and hard-working individual," added assistant track & field coach Malick Diomande, who coaches Sheldon in the jumps. "Her well-deserved success this season is marked by her tenacious spirit and humble character. We are immensely proud to have her represent Union at nationals this weekend."

In three years, Sheldon already owns the school record in the indoor and outdoor high jump as well as the outdoor 100-meter hurdles, the indoor 60-meter hurdles and the indoor triple jump. The three-season student-athlete also is a three-year starter on defense for the women's soccer team during the fall as well.

The 2026 NCAA Division III Indoor Track & Field Championships will take place on Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14 at the Birmingham Crossplex in Birmingham, Ala. Sheldon will compete on Saturday's second day of competition, with the women's high jump set to begin at 1:30 p.m (ET).