Kaitlyn McColly excel as NAIA National Scholar-Athlete of the Year
Jul. 26—DICKINSON — Dickinson State University's Track and Field stand-out, Kaitlyn McColly, has etched her name in the history books once again, being named one of the recipients of the prestigious U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) NAIA National Scholar-Athlete of the Year award in the women's outdoor track and field category, alongside Maggie Ledbetter of Eastern Oregon.
McColly showcased exceptional physical abilities, securing a remarkable first-place finish in the Women's Heptathlon at the NAIA national meet in Marion, Indiana in 2023. Her outstanding performance contributed 10 out of the team's total of 22 points, marking a historic achievement.
McColly has proudly joined the ranks of the top female athletes from Dickinson State, becoming the fifth to secure an individual track and field national title. Her remarkable achievement also earned her one of the prestigious four All-American honors at the meet.
After securing the program's first-ever national title in the Women's Heptathlon during the Spring, she has now added another historic achievement to her impressive resume.
In a previous interview with The Dickinson Press, McColly highlighted what the achievements of her record-breaking season meant to her.
"It is unreal, I don't think there is a way to describe," McColly said. "You kind of think back on the whole season and all the work you put in to get where you are and to see it pay off in the best way it could, I don't even have words for it."
The significance of this honor highlights not only McColly's athletic prowess, but also her exceptional dedication to her academics. McColly is one of the five female athletes from DSU who have captured national track and field championships, but she is the first to receive this prestigious scholar-athlete honor in her program.
To qualify for this coveted award, an athlete must be a national championship qualifier and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher. McColly's exceptional academic achievements are evident through her remarkable 4.0 GPA, which showcases her tenacity and commitment to excellence both on and off the track field.
Balancing the demands of being a student-athlete can be incredibly challenging, and McColly competes in both the indoor and outdoor seasons while sustaining a straight A average.
While McColly's historic scholar achievement has already cemented the student-athlete as one of the top in Dickinson State University's athletic and academic history, it's worth noting that the national champion is only a sophomore.
