EMPORIA, Kan. – Senior Jessica James ran in the NCAA Division II National Championship 400-meter preliminaries on Thursday afternoon. The race took place at Francis G. Welch Stadium in Emporia, Kansas.
 
James set a personal best with a time of 53.85 that would have ranked third-fastest in school history, but was later disqualified due to a lane violation. The Gardnerville, Nevada native will now turn her attention to the 4x400 relay team, where she will anchor a group looking to make it into the finals on Saturday.
 
The 4x400 relay preliminary race will take place on Friday, May 22^nd, at 6:10 PM PT (8:10 PM local).
 
 
2026 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships
Hosted by Emporia State University - Emporia, Kansas
Schedule of Events (Times PT)
 
Thursday, May 21
✔ | DQ | Women's 400m (Prelim) – Jessica James
 
Friday, May 22
4:15 PM | Women's 800m (Prelim) – Arissa Hatcher
4:50 PM | Women's 100m Hurdles (Prelim) – Neshara Smith
6:10 PM | Women's 4x400 Relay (Prelim) – Yasmeen Delgado, Jordan Garcia, Hannah Bassett, Jessica James
 
Saturday, May 23
2:25 PM | Women's 100m Hurdles (Final) – Neshara Smith
3:25 PM | Women's 800m (Final) - Arissa Hatcher
5:30 PM | Women's 4x400 Relay (Final) - Yasmeen Delgado, Jordan Garcia, Hannah Bassett, Jessica James