NCAA Offically Accepts Phillips into Women's Long Jump

One of Five Freshmen in Field of 22 Participants

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Goucher's Destiny Phillips (Washington, D.C./Dunbar) will compete against 21 other participants in the long jump at the 2012 NCAA Division III Women's Outdoor Track & Field Championships, the NCAA announced today.

The NCAA will conduct its Division III national meet in Burns Stadium in Claremont, Calif., May 24-26. The long jump will be contested on the opening day of the three-day event.

Phillips, one of only five freshmen in the field, was accepted into the competition based on her jump of 5.78 meters (18' 11 3/4"), which she accomplished May 14 at the Tuppeny Twilight Last Chance Meet.

All 22 entrants have successfully cleared at least 5.67 meters (18' 7 1/4") this season. The top-seeded participant is senior Skye Morrison from Wartburg, who achieved a distance of 6.49 meters (21' 3 1/2").

Each participant will be permitted up to three attempts in the first round of competition. After that, the top nine entrants will advance to the finals.

Phillips is the first female athlete to represent Goucher at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championship since Natalie Williams competed in the hammer throw in 2003 and 2004.