Schmidt Named Big West Women's Track Athlete of the Week
April 07, 2026 | Women's Track & Field
IRVINE, Calif. - Junior Kaia Schmidt has been named the Big West Women's Track Athlete of the Week the conference office announced Tuesday afternoon.
Schmidt was recognized after setting a school and stadium record in the steeplechase at the Triton Invitational last Friday. Schmidt won her second steeple race of the year in a 17-second personal-best 10:16.88. Her PR topped UC Irvine's previous standard of 10:20.11 which was established by Hannah Chau in 2023. Schmidt also broke an 18-year-old Triton Track & Field Stadium record of 10:19.67.
Schmidt ranks first in the Big West by 16 seconds, 17th in the West Region, and 26th in all of NCAA Division I in the steeplechase this season. This is her first career Big West Women's Track Athlete of the Week honor.
The Anteaters are back in action this week at the Bryan Clay Multis (April 9-10) and at the Challenge Cup (April 10).
Schmidt was recognized after setting a school and stadium record in the steeplechase at the Triton Invitational last Friday. Schmidt won her second steeple race of the year in a 17-second personal-best 10:16.88. Her PR topped UC Irvine's previous standard of 10:20.11 which was established by Hannah Chau in 2023. Schmidt also broke an 18-year-old Triton Track & Field Stadium record of 10:19.67.
Schmidt ranks first in the Big West by 16 seconds, 17th in the West Region, and 26th in all of NCAA Division I in the steeplechase this season. This is her first career Big West Women's Track Athlete of the Week honor.
The Anteaters are back in action this week at the Bryan Clay Multis (April 9-10) and at the Challenge Cup (April 10).
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