Sophomores short sprinters Kelly Huerta and Cici Stennett made their mark on the UW-Whitewater track and field team last season when they set the program record for the 4×100-meter relay, running a time of 45.55 seconds. This time was good enough to secure third place in the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships. This performance not only secured All-American honors for both athletes, but also was the third fastest relay time in Division III history.
“When we beat that school record it felt like I was on top of the world,” Stennett said. “It felt like everything I’ve worked so hard for really paid off.”
Coach Josh Ireland recruited both of the girls out of high school and saw major potential in both of the athletes. With transitioning from high school track to a more competitive environment at the college level, there was an acclimation period that was expected. However, both Huerta and Stennett transitioned well and due to their natural abilities and work ethic, exceeded the expectations set on them.
Competing in what Coach Ireland summarized as one of the toughest conferences in Division III, both Huerta and Stennett qualified individually for the conference meet as freshmen. Their success then continued to the national level, where their relay exceeded expectations and made history for the program.
“Both athletes have made such an historic impact on the team,” Ireland said.
Accomplishing so much in just a short amount of time sets a high bar, but both athletes are eager to continue competing and raising the standard.
“Coming back my sophomore year I’m definitely more confident and feel more comfortable,” Stennett said. “Knowing familiar faces and having really strong bonds on the team makes me even more confident.”
Huerta echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the comfort that familiar routines bring.
“I was very shy my freshman year,” Huerta said. “Coming back this year and the team being so close is very comforting as well as knowing more of what goes on in college track and field.”
Both girls have grown considerably when it comes to the balance of athletics and academics. But they have also grown in the mental approach leading up to competitions.
“I’ve overcome so much anxiety and have gained a much better mindset towards workouts.” Stennett said.
Ireland has seen this growth firsthand through the athletes managing injuries and the stress of competitions.
“There’s an adjustment period when you’re competing on a big stage like this,” Ireland said. “They’ve matured a lot, improved their connection, and learned how to respond when things don’t go perfectly.”
Looking ahead in their sophomore season, the expectations for Huerta and Stennett continue to rise. Ireland believes that they will be able to qualify again for nationals again this upcoming season.
For Huerta and Stennett, this season is an opportunity to continue building off of their great accomplishments while growing as competitors and teammates. Setting a school record and becoming All-Americans was a defining moment, but these two still have three more years to ascend the ranks at Whitewater.
“This is only the start,” Huerta said. “I’m very excited for what’s to come.”
