.jpg)
Reifenrath chases her dreams at NCAA Nationals
VERMILLION, S.D. — Sara Reifenrath has had an impeccable college career, but she is not done running.
On June 12, Reifenrath competed among the best of the best at the 2025 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.
Reifenrath said the experience was truly something to behold.
“It was awesome. The energy is something else at Hayward Field,” she said.
She competed in the 400 and made it to the semifinals, finishing 20th in the nation.
“I didn’t run as well as I wanted, but it was so exciting to be there” said Reifenrath.
Advancing to the national event was a dream come true for her.
“I had been close to qualifying my freshman year and from then on I knew that was a goal of mine to qualify for the NCAA Championships. I came so close for many years. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to compete my final year at USD.”
The Cedar Catholic graduate began her career as a collegiate athlete at the University of South Dakota five years ago. Reifenrath had four solid years running for them with a year off due to injury.
She ended her career as a 23-time Summit League champion with a personal best of 51.91 in the 400.
Running has shaped Sara Reifenrath as a person.
“Running has made me into the person I am today,” she said. “It has taught me how to push myself and how to come back from an injury stronger.”
Reifenrath considers herself a really competitive person and she is not done competing.
She hopes to qualify for the 2025 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships that take place at the end of July.
“I am continuing to train over the next month and I am hoping to run in one more meet before the USA Championships to potentially run a faster time,” she said.
She would be competing at the same meet as Olympic greats, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Noah Lyles.
