VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – History was made here Saturday as a Gallaudet University women's student-athlete competed in the NCAA Division III Indoor National Championship.

Senior jumper Hannah Wetzel (Fremont, Calif.) soared through the air at the Virginia Beach Sports Center and competed against 19 other student-athletes from across the country in the women's high jump.

"Hannah's appearance at the 2024 NCAA Division III Indoor National Championships is a tremendous statement to her hard work of overcoming injuries from her first year to now," said Gallaudet coach Byron Moore. "Hannah is the most dependable athletes I have coached. Her presence at nationals shows she can achieve anything with hard work and determination to improving herself every day."
 
Wetzel finished tied for 11th place with four other jumpers with a mark of 1.63 meters (5 feet, 4.25 inches).
 
"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to compete here at the 2024 NCAA Division III Indoor National Championships. The experience and competition is on a whole other level," said Wetzel. "My performance today wasn't what I set out to do but from that, I know what to work and improve on [for outdoor season]."
 
Wetzel easily cleared 1.58 meters (5 feet, 2.25 inches) on her first jump. She followed that with a clean jump over 1.63 meters.
 
The bar was raised to 1.68 meters (5 feet, 6 inches) but Wetzel was eliminated after three unsuccessful jumps. Her speed was off on the first jump at the new height, the second jump the form wasn't right, and she narrowly missed clearing the bar on the third and final attempt.
 
"There may have been some nerves coming in, but she had a great warm-up session and she felt confident heading into the event," said Moore of Wetzel, his first women's student-athlete to compete at NCAA Indoor Nationals. "I could see her confidence grow after the first two heights she cleared. Her form was good but the 1.68-meter height was tough. She can build off this experience and carry it over for the outdoor season."
 
Loras College senior Grace Alley won the high jump event with a mark of 1.74 meters (5 feet, 8.5 inches). The top eight finishers earned All-American honors.
 
"I wouldn't have been here without the support of my coach, Coach Moore. I am forever grateful for him," said Wetzel.
 
While this closes the door on Wetzel's indoor track and field career, the outdoor season is on the horizon and the feeling of competing at nationals will carry on with Wetzel into the end of May.
 
UP NEXT
This concludes the 2023-24 Gallaudet University women's indoor track and field season.