Montreat's Murphy Collects 2 National Titles

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Heather Murphy of Montreat pulled off an impressive double at the 2026 NAIA Women's Outdoor Track & Field National Championship Meet.

The meet was held at Karl Straus Field in Asheville, N.C., on May 20-22.

Murphy won the individual national championships in the 5,000 and 10,000, becoming the first Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) runner to accomplish this feat since 2021 when Emily Kearney of Milligan won both. Murphy won the 5,00 in 16:37.41, while winning the 10,000 in 34:49.18.

Like Murphy, Ellen-Mary Kearney of Milligan earned a pair of NAIA All-American honors. She placed eighth in the 800-meter run and second in the 3,000-meter steeplechase.

Montreat finished 14th overall in the team competition with 20 points, while Milligan came in 30th with 9 points.