By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Three members of the Willamette University women's track and field team have been named All-West Region by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). Willamette's All-West Region selections were Zoe Heino (Fy., Portland, OR/Mountainside HS) in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, Sami Riggs (Sr., La Verne, CA/Bonita HS) in the 400-meter hurdles, and Whitley Stepp (Fy., Silverton, OR/Regis HS) in the high jump.

In order to receive All-Region honors an athlete had to be ranked in the top five of an individual event or compete on one of the top three teams in a relay event.

NCAA Division III All-West Region

Zoe Heino (Fy.) ranked fifth in the West Region in the 3,000-meter steeplechase with a time of 11:11.84. Her top time, which set a personal record, was achieved when she took first place at the 2023 Northwest Conference Track and Field Championships. Heino also ranked 44th in the nation in the steeplechase. She recorded times under 11:25 at five track and field meets this season.

Sami Riggs (Sr.) was chosen All-West Region in the 400-meter dash after earning a time of 57.82 seconds. The personal record time was set as Riggs placed second at the NWC Championships. Riggs ended the season ranked 76th in the nation in NCAA Division III. She completed the 400-meter race in less than one minute, at five meets, including four meets with times below 59 seconds.

Whitley Stepp (Fy.) was the top-ranked women's high jumper in NCAA Division III in the West Region this season. Her top mark was 5' 6" while winning the high jump title at the NWC Championships. She tied for 12th on the Division III performance list during the regular season. She qualified for the 2023 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships and went on to take 18th place in the nation. She cleared 5' 3.25" at the NCAA meet. It was the seventh meet this year where Stepp cleared at least 5' 3.25".