The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Meeks named USTFCCCA South Region Women’s Indoor Field Athlete of the Year
03.19.2026 | Track & Field / Cross Country
Junior caps her standout indoor season with NCAA bronze, SEC title and program-record throws.
AUSTIN, Texas – Texas junior Giavonna Meeks of Denver has been named the 2026 U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) South Region Women's Indoor Field Athlete of the Year, the organization announced Thursday.
Meeks concluded her indoor season with a bronze medal in the weight throw at the NCAA Indoor Championships, registering a mark of 24.11m (79-1.25). She also claimed the SEC Indoor Championship in the event with a winning distance of 24.44m (80-2.25) in a dominant performance in which all five of her successful throws surpassed the rest of the field.
The Texas newcomer has made an immediate impact, posting 21 throws of 21.50 meters or more in 2026 and recording the top 24 marks in program history for the weight throw. Meeks earned All-SEC First Team honors and was twice named SEC Women's Field Athlete of the Week (Feb. 3 and Feb. 17).
Her season highlights included victories in the weight throw at the Corky Classic (22.37m | 73-5.75), the Razorback Invitational (23.65m | 77-7.25), and the SEC Indoor Championships. She also set the Texas program-record mark of 24.49 meters (80-4.25) at the Tyson Invitational, a throw that ranked No. 2 nationally and No. 1 in the SEC during the indoor season. In addition to her weight throw success, Meeks placed fifth in the shot put at the Corky Classic (15.58m | 51-1.50) and seventh at the Razorback Invitational (16.28m | 53-5).
The award continues a recent streak of Texas student-athletes earning the regional recognition. Meeks' honor marks the third consecutive year a Longhorn has been named a South Region Indoor Field Athlete of the Year, joining Kelsey Daniel (2025) and Leo Neugebauer (2024). She is the seventh Longhorn overall to receive the accolade and the second women's team member, joining three-time honoree Destinee Hooker.
Texas Longhorns USTFCCCA Regional Indoor Field Athletes of the Year
Giavonna Meeks – 2026
Kelsey Daniel – 2025
Leo Neugebauer – 2024
Ryan Crouser – 2014-16
Destinee Hooker – 2006-07, 2009
Andra Manson – 2007
Trey Hardee – 2006
Players Mentioned
