The New York University women’s track & field team shattered nine school records in 2010, continuing the steady improvement it has experienced under head coach Nick McDonough.
Stepping forward as a star in her sophomore year was Maeve Evans, who set four NYU records in 2010. Her indoor times of 2:17.81 in the 800 meters and 5:00.17 in the mile were both NYU bests. She also was part of the record-breaking indoor 4x800 meter (9:53.08) and outdoor sprint medley relay (4:19.38) teams. Joining Evans on the 4x800m- relay were sophomore Joan Kanarkiewicz, sophomore Laura Santoski and freshman Hannah Satzke. Also on the sprint medley relay team were seniors Caitlin Gibson and Kathryn Shannon, as well as freshman Marion Burns.
In addition to Evans’ record-breaking performances, she also qualified for the NCAA Indoor Championships in the mile, becoming the first NYU women to advance to the nationals since 2004. At the NCAA’s, she finished eighth (5:05.25) and earned All-American honors.
Evans also posted one of the top times in the nation in the 1,500 meters during the spring and qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Championships.
"For a sophomore to run at the NCAA's for the first time and earn All-America honors is a great accomplishment," said McDonough, who produced his first female All-American since taking over the team three years ago. He has been the men's head coach since 1998. "This has really opened eyes to what she is capable of."
Kanarkiewicz built on her strong freshman season by setting three NYU records, giving her five in her two-year career. Her time of 3:06.44 in the indoor 1,000 meters put her in the record books. Kanarkiewicz also helped put the 4x800 meter and distance medley relay (12:24.83) teams into the history books. Santoski, Satzke and freshman Winnie Nwapa were also members of the DMR...
Individually, Satzke also set a new NYU record in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, clocking in at 11:30.36.
Freshman Kirsten Keller impressed in her debut season, as well, setting a new school record in the outdoor 3,000 meters with a time of 10:24.63. At the UAA Indoor Championships, she finished third in the 5,000 meters and sixth in the 3,000 meters. For her efforts, Keller earned UAA Indoor Rookie of the Year honors. She continued to perform at a high level in the spring as she qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Championships in the 10,000 meters.
Sophomore Carla Stachurski made her mark in the field events, winning the javelin at the UAA Outdoor Championships with a throw of 35.37 meters (116’0”). During the indoor season, she set the NYU record in the pole vault by clearing 2.75 meters (9’-1/4”).
The team’s accomplishments were not confined to the track, as seven student-athletes earned UAA Winter Sport and UAA Spring Sport All-Academic honors.