Elizabeth Whaley Qualifies for NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships on Final Day of NCAA East Region First Round

Wednesday, May 27

Lexington, KY

Wake Forest University

NCAA First Round East Region

Elizabeth Whaley Qualifies for NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships on Final Day of NCAA East Region First Round

5/30/2026 8:45:00 PM | Track and Field

The Cincinnati, Ohio, native placed third in the quarterfinals of the women’s 1500 meters with a time of 4:11.85.

By: KJ Smith

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Wake Forest track and field team wrapped up competition at the NCAA East Region First Round on Saturday evening at the UK Track and Field Complex, highlighted by senior Elizabeth Whaley qualifying for the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Whaley earned her spot in the semifinals of the women's 1500 meters after securing a third-place finish in her quarterfinal heat, crossing the line in 4:11.85. With the result, the Cincinnati, Ohio, native will be competing at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships for the first time in her career.

Elsewhere, freshman Natalia Issler concluded her fantastic debut season as she placed 14th in the quarterfinals of the women's 800 meters. Issler finished just .01 seconds shy of her school-record time, posting a time of 2:02.29.

Meanwhile, fellow freshman Victoria Rodriguez wrapped up her freshman campaign by recording a time of 10:15.95 to earn a top-25 finish in the quarterfinals of the women's 3000-meter steeplechase.

Overall, the Demon Deacons closed out another successful trip to the NCAA East Region First Round, qualifying four individuals for the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, including a program record three on the women's side. Additionally, the Deacs have now qualified at least one athlete for the NCAA Championships in each of the last six seasons dating back to 2021.

Notable Results
Women's 800m

Natalia Issler - 2:02.29

Women's 1500m

Elizabeth Whaley - 4:11.85

Women's 3000m Steeplechase

Victoria Rodriguez - 10:15.95

2026 Outdoor Track and Field Top-10 Marks in Program History

Men's 400m
- 7th - Ryan Harper (47.28)
Men's 800m
- 10th - Rocky Hansen (1:49.27)
Men's 1500m
- 1st - Rocky Hansen (3:35.75)
- 8th - Wes Shipsey (3:40.48)
Men's 3000m Steeplechase
- 5th - Max Cervi-Skinner (8:50.00)
Men's 5000m
- 4th - Aurelien Radja (13:29.86)
- 8th - Charlie Sprott (13:40.70)
- 10th - Bryce Gilmore (13:48.82)
Men's Javelin
- 5th - Nick Masterman (64.54m)
Women's 100m Hurdles
- 4th - Seren Rodgers (13.89)
Women's 800m
- 1st - Natalia Issler (2:02.28)
- 4th - Amy Weybrecht (2:05.69)
Women's 1500m
- 1st - Elizabeth Whaley (4:09.78)
- 10th - Natalia Issler (4:19.96)
Women's 3000m Steeplechase
- 4th - Victoria Rodriguez (10:09.14)
- 5th - Issy Goldstein (10:16.27)
Women's 5000m
- 2nd - Angelina Perez (15:32.20)
Women's 10,000m
- 1st - Angelina Perez (32:44.58)
- 9th - Mackenzie Hart (33:58.49)
Women's Discus
- 4th - Jazmine Thompson (50.48m)
Women's Heptathlon
- 2nd - Seren Rodgers (5,575 points)
Women's Javelin
- 3rd - Rosalind Gergely (52.99m)
Women's Long Jump
- 5th - Seren Rodgers (6.05m)
Women's Shot Put
- 4th - Casey Sullivan (15.73m)
- 8th - Jazmine Thompson (15.00m)

From the Staff
"We had an outstanding week here in Lexington at the NCAA East Region First Round. Our team competed with tremendous heart and focus, and we're thrilled to qualify three women and one man for the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene. This marks the most women qualified in a single year in program history. The women's 10,000 meters was especially exciting. Angelina [Perez] looked strong and in position to qualify easily before hitting a rough patch, but she showed tremendous fight to rally for the 12th and final qualifying spot. Brooke [Wilson] was sitting in 15th and appeared out of contention, but she dug deep and rolled the final 1600-2000 meters, charging from more than 50 meters back to finish 11th with incredible heart. Their performances really inspired the team. Rocky [Hansen] went out and did what he does best. He broke the field early and cruised comfortably into second place. Today, Elizabeth [Whaley] ran exceptionally well as she has all season, staying patient when she was boxed in before pushing through on the inside and closing strong. While these four delivered our historic qualification, several others made great strides and came very close in an incredibly competitive field. I'm incredibly proud of my whole staff for how they've prepared these tremendous student-athletes throughout the year. We're pumped to head to Eugene and get after it one last time." - Director of Track & Field and Cross Country John Hayes

Next Up
Wake Forest returns to action for the final time this season as they are set to compete at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, which will be held at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore., from June 10-13.

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