By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- Whitley Stepp (So., Silverton, OR/Regis HS) from Willamette University placed 20th in the high jump at 5' 4.25" during the 2024 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships on Friday, May 24 at Doug Shaw Stadium in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Stepp was one of eight jumpers who cleared 5' 4.25" as their top mark on Friday, creating a large tie for 13th place, but Stepp placed 20th when the tie was broken by fewest jumps.

Stepp opened the event by clearing 5' 2.25" on her second attempt. She successfully jumped at 5' 4.25" on her second attempt, but missed at 5' 6".

The winner of the high jump on Friday was Sara Hoskins from Loras College (Iowa). She cleared a personal-record of 5' 8.50" to win the event, edging out Loras teammate Grace Alley, who also cleared 5' 8.50", but took second on a tie-breaker.

It was Stepp's second trip to the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships. In 2023, she cleared 5' 3.25" to place 18th in the high jump. She took 18th on jumps after finishing as one of several jumpers who ended the competition at 5' 3.25" in a six-way tie for 13th.

A total of 22 competitors were selected to compete at this year's NCAA Championships in the women's high jump. Stepp qualified with a personal record of 5' 7", set as she took first place in the high jump at the 2024 Northwest Conference Championships on April 20. She ranks second on Willamette's all-time list.

Earlier this year, Stepp tied for 11th and placed 18th on jumps at the 2024 NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships. She was successful at 5' 4.25" during the indoor meet.