LEXINGTON, KY – Freshman Jessie Fotheringham concluded a remarkable debut season on Saturday, competing in the women's 3,000-meter steeplechase at the 2026 NCAA East First Round, hosted by the University of Kentucky.

Fotheringham finished 27th overall, recording the highest finish by a Highlander in the event at the NCAA East First Round and further cementing her place among the program's all-time great newcomers.

A native of Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia, Fotheringham earned her berth to the NCAA East First Round after clocking a school-record time of 9:58.55 at the Raleigh Relays on March 26, where she placed third overall. The performance ranked among the top times in the East Region throughout the season and secured her spot in the national qualifying meet.

She closes her freshman campaign ranked No. 27 in the NCAA East Region in the steeplechase and leaves an immediate impact on the Highlander record book. 

During her first season, Fotheringham established six school records on the track, earned a bronze medal in the women's mile at the America East Indoor Championships, was named America East Cross Country Most Outstanding Rookie, garnered First Team All-Conference honors, and received ECAC All-East recognition.

With a record-setting freshman season complete, Fotheringham has positioned herself as one of the conference's top distance runners and a key part of the Highlanders' future success.