South Carolina Gamecock women battled tough weather conditions in the NCAA East Regionals’ first round, showing resilience and strong performances.

The South Carolina Gamecock women’s track and field team faced one of the toughest tests of their collegiate season during the first round of the NCAA East Regionals. Competing under challenging weather conditions that included intermittent rain, gusty winds, and fluctuating temperatures, the Gamecocks demonstrated remarkable resilience, focus, and competitive spirit. Their performances amidst the elements not only advanced them through the round but also showcased their mental toughness and physical readiness for the challenges ahead.

The Setting: NCAA East Regionals at the University of North Florida

The NCAA East Regionals is one of the pivotal stages for collegiate athletes aiming to secure a place at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. In 2025, this highly competitive event was held at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida, a venue known for its excellent facilities but unpredictable spring weather.

The athletes arrived prepared for high stakes, but the weather quickly became a formidable opponent. Torrential downpours caused intermittent delays, while gusty winds challenged the precision and execution of technical events like the pole vault and long jump. Temperatures fluctuated throughout the competition, adding an extra layer of difficulty for the athletes to maintain optimal performance conditions.

Overcoming Weather: A Test of Mental and Physical Fortitude

For the South Carolina Gamecock women, the adverse weather conditions were not just an obstacle but a test of their mental toughness. Head Coach Curtis Frye emphasized this mindset before the competition, stating, “The weather is something we can’t control, but our response to it defines our success.” This philosophy was evident in the way the athletes handled the delays, the slippery track surfaces, and the changing wind patterns.

Adapting to such conditions required not only physical skill but also mental agility. Athletes had to stay warm and focused during rain delays, recalibrate their timing for events affected by wind, and manage the emotional rollercoaster of uncertainty. The Gamecocks’ ability to stay composed under pressure proved crucial to their advancement.

Standout Performances Amidst the Storm

Despite the challenging environment, several South Carolina athletes delivered standout performances that will be remembered as highlights of the East Regionals.

Jasmine Jones: Sprinting Through the Storm

Senior sprinter Jasmine Jones exemplified grit and determination in the 100-meter dash. Battling slick track conditions and heavy winds, Jones clocked a season-best 11.23 seconds, securing her advancement to the next round. Her explosive start and sustained acceleration were a testament to her conditioning and focus, particularly impressive given the weather’s impact on sprint mechanics.

Jones’ performance is a continuation of her strong collegiate career, where she has consistently ranked among the SEC’s top sprinters. Her ability to maintain speed and technique in adverse conditions bodes well for her chances as the regionals progress and eventually for the NCAA championships.

Emily Carter: Hurdling Past Adversity

Sophomore hurdler Emily Carter also shined in the 400-meter hurdles, recording a time of 58.74 seconds despite gusty winds that complicated her rhythm over the barriers. Hurdling is a technically demanding event where timing is crucial, and wind interference can disrupt even the best athletes.

Carter’s poise and technique under these conditions highlighted her potential as one of the region’s rising stars. Her advancement signals a bright future, as she continues to refine her skills and build consistency in high-pressure competitions.

Field Event Breakthroughs

The field events brought their own unique challenges, especially with wind affecting jumps and vaults. Nevertheless, South Carolina’s athletes rose to the occasion.

Junior Olivia Martinez set a new personal record in the pole vault by clearing 4.20 meters. This impressive feat not only secured her a spot in the regional finals but also marked a significant step forward in her collegiate career. Martinez’s technique and composure on the vaulting runway were crucial to overcoming the unpredictable winds.

In the long jump, freshman Aaliyah Thompson leaped 6.05 meters, earning qualification for the next round. Her explosive power and focus allowed her to perform well despite the slippery runway and shifting winds. Thompson’s breakthrough signals exciting potential for South Carolina’s future in the horizontal jumps.

Team Dynamics and Coaching

Behind these individual achievements is a tightly knit team and a coaching staff that emphasizes preparation, adaptability, and mental strength. Coach Curtis Frye’s leadership was evident throughout the competition as he guided his athletes through the delays and adjustments needed due to weather.

Frye’s approach to coaching emphasizes not just physical training but psychological readiness. He encourages athletes to focus on controllable factors—like their effort, attitude, and technique—while letting go of external elements like weather that cannot be changed. This mindset has cultivated a resilient team culture, essential for success in outdoor track and field.

The Broader Significance of This Performance

The Gamecocks’ ability to battle the elements successfully is more than just a story of overcoming a tough day. It reflects the qualities necessary for championship-level competition: resilience, adaptability, teamwork, and relentless focus. Outdoor track and field, with its dependence on weather, often tests these traits more than indoor events, and South Carolina’s performance sends a strong message about their readiness for the NCAA Outdoor Championships.

This round at the East Regionals will serve as a valuable experience for the athletes, many of whom are competing in high-stakes scenarios for the first time. The lessons learned here—managing nerves, adapting strategy, and maintaining focus—will be crucial as they advance.

Looking Ahead: The Path to the NCAA Championships

With the first round behind them, the Gamecocks now turn their attention to the regional finals and ultimately the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. The experience gained battling difficult weather will be an asset in upcoming competitions, where unpredictability is always a factor.

Athletes like Jasmine Jones, Emily Carter, Olivia Martinez, and Aaliyah Thompson are expected to be key contributors as the team aims for top finishes. Their performances thus far suggest they have the talent and mental toughness to succeed against the nation’s best.

Coach Frye and his staff will continue to focus on refining technique, enhancing physical conditioning, and building team cohesion. The support system around the athletes—including athletic trainers, sports psychologists, and nutritionists—will also play a critical role in ensuring the team is physically and mentally primed for peak performance.

A Story of Grit and Growth

The South Carolina Gamecock women’s track and field team’s first-round battle at the NCAA East Regionals stands as a testament to their grit and growth. Faced with tough weather conditions that challenged every athlete’s skill and spirit, the Gamecocks rose to the occasion with determination and teamwork.

Their ability to perform at a high level despite the elements not only advanced them through the competition but also strengthened their resolve for the challenges ahead. As they continue their journey toward the NCAA Outdoor Championships, the lessons learned in Jacksonville will serve them well.

Fans and supporters of South Carolina can take pride in a team that exemplifies the heart of collegiate athletics—perseverance, passion, and pride in representing their university under any circumstances.