SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – For the second consecutive month, South Dakota Track and Field freshman Anna Willis is the Kwik Star Summit League Female Peak Newcomer of the Month, announced by the conference office Wednesday afternoon.
Willis, a pole vaulter from Colorado Springs, Colo., shined nationally during the months of May and June, receiving First Team All-America honors at the NCAA Championships and earning all-Summit League honors with a runner-up finish in the pole vault at the NCAA Championships.
She set her personal best of 14-10 to place second at the Summit League Outdoor Championships, earning all-Summit League honors in her first outdoor conference meet. Willis followed that performance up by taking third at the NCAA West First Round with a 14-6 (4.42m) to advance to the NCAA Championships.
The highlight of the postseason for Willis came in Eugene last week, as the freshman was the lone freshman on the first team all-American list in the women’s pole vault, placing fourth at the NCAA Championships with a clearance of 14-6 ¾ (4.44m).
Willis was also the April Kwik Star Summit League Newcomer of the Month. She won the pole vault at the Mt. SAC Relays at 14-9 (4.50m) and was the top collegiate finisher at the Drake Relays.
Willis’ season continues this week, as she will compete at the Nike Outdoor Nationals and USATF Under 20 Championships in Eugene, Ore. this week. The women’s pole vault competition is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Central Time (5:30 p.m. Pacific) Thursday.