Davidson Records Personal Best at NCAA East Preliminary Championships

Saturday, May 27

Jacksonville, Fla.

All Day

James Madison University

NCAA East Preliminary Championships

NCAA East Prelims - Skyla Davidson Release

Davidson Records Personal Best at NCAA East Preliminary Championships

5/27/2023 10:45:00 PM | Track & Field

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Graduate student Skyla Davidson saved her best for last at Hodges Stadium on Saturday evening, recording a personal-best triple jump of 12.93m (42' - 5.25") for 19th at the NCAA East Preliminary Championships.

In her first appearance at the regional meet, Davidson started off strong with a mark of 12.68m (41' – 7.25"). She improved to 12.70m (41' – 8") on her second attempt, but found herself in ninth with one jump remaining. Davidson barreled down the runway and soared to a personal-best 12.93m (42' – 5.25"), placing her fourth through two flights. However, individuals from flights three and four passed Davidson later that evening. The Springfield, Va. native came into the meet with the 27th-best seed mark at 12.86m (42' - 3.35").

Charisma Taylor of Tennessee had the best jump of the day at 13.95m (45' - 9.25"), while App State's Jada Branch was the last to qualify with an effort of 13.09m (42' - 11.5").

The veteran jumper ends her JMU career as the school's second-best indoor triple jumper at 12.60m (41' - 2.25") and third-best outdoor triple jumper with her effort today. Davidson won the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference Indoor triple jump title with a mark of 12.60m (41' - 2.25") this season and the Colonial Athletic Association triple jump crown outdoors in 2021 at 12.26m (40' - 2.75"). Additionally, she posted a third-place finish at the ECAC Outdoor Championships in 2022 at 12.38m (40' - 7.5").

Quoting Director Delethea Quarles
"Skyla did an awesome job today. Achieving her personal best has been a theme for her this entire season. Today was no different. This was her first time qualifying for this meet and she handled it with her best series of jumps. This is the meet you want to see your best. She did it with great focus and execution. So happy for her and this amazing year. What an excellent way to finish her collegiate experience as a Duke!"

Quoting Head Coach Ron McCown
"It has been a joy for me to see Skyla persevere and achieve success during her career, and today she did it once again! Skyla is a fierce competitor. To achieve another personal best jump and also a lifetime best jump, on this stage, is very impressive. She should be very proud of her accomplishments."

Up Next
Freshman sprinter Asia Powell will compete in the 100-meter dash at the USATF U20 Outdoor Championships this summer in Eugene, Ore. The first round of the U20 women's 100-meter dash is scheduled for 1:44 p.m. PT (4:44 p.m. ET) on Thursday, July 7th. The final takes place later that day at 4:16 p.m. PT (7:16 p.m. ET).