ALISO VIEJO, Calif. - The Cal Poly Pomona women's track and field team was picked first in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) preseason poll, the conference office announced on Wednesday morning. The Broncos totaled 141 points and 10 first-place votes, narrowly edging Chico State (133 points, one first-place vote) at the top of the standings.

Now in his seventh season leading the program, head coach Chris Bradford has guided Cal Poly Pomona to four consecutive CCAA Track & Field Championships (2022-25), establishing the Broncos as the team to beat entering 2026.

"I think we had a strong indoor season, so I am excited about where that will take us going into the outdoor season," Bradford said. "We have a lot of great individuals returning along with a variety of newcomers who are going to make an immediate impact."

CCAA Preseason Poll
1. Cal Poly Pomona - 141 points (10)
2. Chico State - 133 points (1)
3. Cal State San Bernardino - 112 points
4. Stanislaus State - 106 points
5. Cal State San Marcos - 93 points
6. Cal State LA - 82 points
7. Cal Poly Humboldt - 76 points
8. Cal State East Bay - 53 points
9. Cal State Dominguez Hills - 48 points
10. San Francisco State - 38 points
11. Cal State Monterey Bay - 34 points
12. UC Merced - 18 points

Leading the charge is senior multi-event standout Neshara Smith, who delivered a dominant performance at last year's conference championship, scoring 36 points and earning the High Point and Newcomer awards at the meet. Smith also competed at the national level during both the indoor and outdoor seasons and is expected to once again be a key contributor.

The Broncos also return senior distance runner Vivian Martinez and senior Arissa Hatcher, both national qualifiers who bring experience and leadership to the roster.

In the throws, junior transfer Halle McDaniels has emerged as one of the top weight throwers in the nation during the indoor season. Her continued development adds another layer of scoring potential heading into the outdoor campaign.

Cal Poly Pomona's depth is further strengthened by a talented freshman class. Esme Pounder, Lotta Metsarinta and Naomi Shillingford have each shown during the indoor season that they can make an immediate impact.

Cal Poly Pomona opened the outdoor season February 19-20 at the Ron Kamaka Multis in Walnut, California.

Picked No. 1 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) preseason poll, the Broncos will look to capture a fifth straight title at the CCAA Track & Field Championships, scheduled for April 30-May 2 in San Marcos.

From there, Cal Poly Pomona aims to return qualifiers to the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships, set for May 21-23 in Emporia, Kansas, as the Broncos pursue another strong postseason showing on the national stage.

To view the full 2026 schedule, click HERE.