By: Clint Neumann
BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The University of Sioux Falls Women's Track & Field team has been selected fifth in the 2025-26 NSIC Indoor Preseason Coaches' Poll, announced Thursday by the league office. The Cougars earned their placement after a strong fourth-place finish last winter and return a deep, versatile roster poised to take another step forward this season.
Minnesota State, the defending NSIC Indoor Champion, was picked to win the league after receiving all 14 possible first-place votes. The 2025-26 indoor season begins this weekend and will conclude at the NSIC Championships, February 27–28 at Myers Fieldhouse in Mankato.
Cougars Blend Youth, Experience for a Promising Season Ahead
Head Coach Eric Chilson enters the championship slate with a roster stacked with developing underclassmen and proven veterans across sprints, jumps, throws, multis, and distance. The makeup of the team provides competitive depth in nearly every event group, setting the Cougars up to score in a wide range of areas this winter.
"We're a young team complemented by several talented veterans, combining experience with fresh energy," said Chilson. "The Cougars boast depth and versatility across multiple events, positioning this diverse group to make a meaningful impact in every area of competition. Our women are focused and ready to grow and develop over the course of the season."
USF's roster features standouts across the board—including a strong core in the sprint group led by senior All-American Tamia Horton, and a powerful throws contingent anchored by veteran Delanie Van Driel.
NSIC Track Athlete to Watch: Tamia Horton, Senior – Sprints
One of the most decorated sprinters in program history, Tamia Horton returns as USF's NSIC Track Athlete to Watch after a junior year that cemented her as a national-level contender in the 60m and 100m.
A two-time NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Championships qualifier, Horton enters her senior season as:
-
The USF school record holder in the 60m (7.42)
-
A two-time NSIC 60m placer
-
A two-time NCAA National Qualifier
-
A school record holder in the outdoor 200m (24.54)
Her junior outdoor campaign included national provisional marks in both the 100m and 200m, an 11.42 PR in the 100m, and five first-place finishes. Indoors, she broke her own school record twice in the 60m and earned All-Conference honors before competing at the NCAA Championships.
"Tamia is the returning school record holder in the 60m dash, a two-time NSIC placer, and two-time NCAA National Qualifier," said Coach Chilson. "She has shown consistent growth and improvement over the course of her career and looks to keep building during her senior campaign."
Horton enters 2025-26 positioned as one of the most explosive sprinters in the NSIC—and one of the Cougars' most reliable point-scorers.
NSIC Field Athlete to Watch: Delanie Van Driel, Senior – Throws
Senior thrower Delanie Van Driel continues to build one of the strongest all-around throwing resumes in the conference, earning selection as USF's NSIC Field Athlete to Watch.
Van Driel has produced more than 50 career top-ten finishes, excelling across the shot put, discus, and weight/hammer throws. Her junior season showcased major breakthroughs, including:
-
A 45.50m PR in the discus (national provisional mark)
-
A 42.46m PR in the hammer throw
-
A 15.83m PR in the weight throw
-
A 13.35m PR in the shot put
The returning NSIC placer ranks sixth all-time at USF in the shot put and has competed in multiple conference championships each year of her career.
"Delanie continues to build on an impressive career that already ranks her sixth all-time at USF in the shot put," Chilson said. "She brings senior leadership, energy, and resilience into practice and competitions."
Van Driel anchors a deep, experienced throws group that will play a significant role in USF's team scoring throughout the indoor season.
Looking Ahead
The Cougars open their indoor season at the Wildcat Opener on December 5 before moving into a competitive January and February schedule leading up to the NSIC Championships. With strong leadership at the top and a roster full of up-and-coming talent, USF is positioned to challenge for another top-five finish—and push for more—as the season unfolds.
Stay Connected
For all things USF Track & Field, be sure to download the USF Cougars app as well as follow along on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Be the first to know what's going on inside USF Athletics by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter!
