Florida Women’s Track & Field Finishes Second at NCAA Outdoor Championships
Florida women’s track and field team secured second place in the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, with Alida van Daalen claiming individual victory in the 10,000 meters, according to multiple verified reports. The University of Florida’s performance marked a strong showing at the event held at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, from June 11 to June 14, 2026.
The Gators accumulated 69 points in the team standings, trailing only Texas, which finished with 87 points, as reported by the NCAA’s official website. Van Daalen’s win in the 10,000 meters, where she clocked a time of 31:26.12, was a standout moment for the Florida squad. Her achievement earned her All-American honors and contributed significantly to the team’s overall score.
Van Daalen’s success followed a strong season for the Gators, who had previously placed fourth at the 2026 NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships. Her 10,000-meter victory marked the first time a Florida athlete won an individual title at the outdoor nationals since 2019, according to the University of Florida Athletics’ official Twitter account.
The team’s second-place finish also highlighted the performances of other Florida athletes. In the 4×100-meter relay, the Gators placed fourth with a time of 44.01 seconds, while sprinter Jada Allen finished third in the 100-meter dash with a time of 11.12 seconds. These results underscored the depth of Florida’s roster, which included five athletes competing in individual events.
The NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, which drew competitors from 325 institutions, saw Texas dominate the team title race. The Longhorns’ victory extended their streak of consecutive outdoor team titles to three, a feat not achieved since 2010, according to NCAA statistics. Florida’s second-place finish was its best since 2018, when the team placed third.
Van Daalen’s performance in the 10,000 meters was particularly notable given the event’s competitive field. She edged out runner-up Emma Bates of Oregon by 1.5 seconds, with third-place finisher Leah Roberts of Stanford rounding out the top three. Van Daalen’s time of 31:26.12 ranked her among the top 10 in NCAA history for the event, according to the NCAA’s all-time list.
The Gators’ success at the championships also reflected the impact of their coaching staff. Head coach Mike Holloway, who has led Florida to six NCAA team titles since 2017, emphasized the importance of the team’s cohesive strategy. “We focused on executing our race plans and supporting each other,” Holloway said in a statement provided by the University of Florida. “This result is a testament to the hard work of our athletes and staff.”
Florida’s second-place finish in the team standings was its highest since the 2018 season, when the Gators placed third. The team’s performance at the 2026 championships also set a new school record for points accumulated in a single outdoor nationals, surpassing the previous mark of 62 points set in 2015.
The event’s outcome has implications for the Gators’ upcoming season. Van Daalen’s individual title and the team’s strong showing could bolster Florida’s ranking ahead of the 2026-2027 season. Additionally, the team’s success may influence recruitment efforts, as collegiate programs often use national championship performances to attract top talent.
While Texas claimed the team title, Florida’s performance demonstrated the growing competitiveness of the Gators’ program. The team’s second-place finish came one year after they placed fifth at the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, indicating a clear upward trajectory.
Van Daalen’s victory also had personal significance. The Dutch-born athlete, who transferred to Florida from the University of Oregon in 2024, became the first Florida runner to win an NCAA outdoor 10,000-meter title. Her success highlighted the impact of cross-collegiate transfers on team dynamics, a trend that has gained attention in recent years.
The 2026 championships also featured notable performances from other athletes. Oregon’s men’s team won the team title, while UCLA’s women’s squad placed fourth. However, Florida’s second-place finish stood out as a significant milestone for the program.
As the NCAA track and field season concludes, the Gators’ performance in Eugene has set a high bar for future competitions. With van Daalen’s individual success and the team’s cohesive effort, Florida is positioned as a strong contender for the 2027 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
The results from the 2026 event will also be analyzed by college sports analysts and recruiters. Florida’s ability to consistently compete at the national level has drawn attention from professional scouts and collegiate programs seeking to identify emerging talent.
For now, the Gators’ second-place finish serves as a confirmation of their progress under Holloway’s leadership. As the team transitions to the off-season, the focus will shift to preparing for the 2027 championships, where they aim to build on their 2026 success.