In Fayetteville, Arkansas, the Baylor track and field team is gearing up for the NCAA Indoor Championships, and all eyes are on three standout athletes: pole vaulter Molly Haywood, sprinter Tiriah Kelley, and hurdler Demario Prince. These athletes are laser-focused on making their mark at the University of Arkansas' Randal Tyson Track Center.
Demario Prince, aiming for his first indoor All-America honor in the 60-meter hurdles, is driven by past experiences. "I've finished ninth in the prelims two years running," he reflects. "This time, it's all about reaching the final."
Baylor coach Michael Ford is confident in his athletes' potential. "They each have a real shot at becoming national champions," he asserts.
"For Demario and TK (Kelley), it's about beating the competition, not just running the perfect race. They've already proven themselves at the highest level this year.
The key is making it to the final and then seeing how it all unfolds."
Kelley, too, has felt the sting of near misses, placing just outside the top spots in previous championships. With a program record of 22.53 seconds in the 200 meters, she’s poised for a breakthrough.
"I've been consistent indoors this year," Kelley shares. "I've set personal records at Texas Tech and feel ready to do it again."
Kelley knows she might need to come close to Julien Alfred's NCAA record of 22.01 to clinch victory, facing a formidable field that includes reigning champion Indya Mayberry and top contender Adaejah Hodge. "I'm gunning for that time," she declares. "I want to PR and I want to win."
Meanwhile, Molly Haywood, a two-time outdoor All-American, is hungry for indoor success. Her best indoor finish was ninth as a freshman, and she’s eager to improve on that.
"I want that indoor title badly," Haywood admits. Ranked fourth nationally with a season-best of 15-0, she knows she faces stiff competition from Washington's Hana Moll.
"It's exciting to compete against friends who are also great competitors," Haywood notes. "We push each other to jump higher."
Prince recently set a school record with a time of 7.46 in the 60-meter hurdles at the Big 12 Championships, positioning himself sixth nationally. "This year's competition is fierce," he says. "It might take a record to win, but I'm focused on executing my race."
The two-day event will be streamed live on ESPN+, with real-time results available. Here’s the schedule for Baylor’s entries:
Friday, March 13
- 6:55 p.m.: Men's 60-meter hurdles prelims (Demario Prince)
- 7:45 p.m.: Women's 200 meters prelims (Tiriah Kelley)
Saturday, March 14
- 4:00 p.m.: Women's pole vault (Molly Haywood)
- 5:30 p.m.: Women's 200 meters final (Kelley)
- 6:00 p.m.: Men's 60-meter hurdles final (Prince)
This championship promises thrilling performances as these athletes aim to leave their mark on the national stage.