After last year’s historic season, Clemson’s track and field team is aiming to dominate the ACC once again, and that push begins with a powerful women’s horizontal jumps squad.

On Saturday, Dec. 5, Clemson opened its season at home, facing competition from SEC, SWAC and MEAC programs. Despite the strong field, the Tigers showed they’re ready for another standout year.

From the track to the sandpit, Clemson’s women delivered performances that highlight the depth and talent of this group. The early results from Saturday’s meet make one thing clear: the jump squad is ready to play a major role in guiding the women’s team to a second straight ACC Championship.

Long jump

Senior Shantae Foreman picked up right where she left off, finishing second in the long jump with a jump of 19 feet, 10.25 inches, improving by three inches since the last time she competed in the long jump in May. Though she’s best known as last year’s indoor and outdoor ACC champion in the triple jump, her strong season opener signals that she shouldn’t be overlooked in the long jump as the season unfolds.

Next up is freshman Aiya Webb, who is already proving to be a force in the event. Webb jumped 19 feet, 6 inches to place third in her collegiate debut. As a USA U20 long jump medalist with a personal best of 20 feet, 8 inches, she wasted no time showing she’s ready to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level. It’s safe to say we’ll see a lot more of Webb at the top of performance this indoor season.

Rounding out this long jump squad is junior Tia Stapleton, who delivered a solid performance of fifth place with 18 feet, 10 inches. Her consistency and experience make her an essential piece of Clemson’s deep and talented jump squad.

Triple jump

Foreman is a familiar name in Clemson’s triple jump scene, but this season, it’s time to welcome freshman Sophia Curtis. Competing in her first collegiate meet, Curtis placed third with an impressive jump of over 40 feet, 2 inches, an early sign that Clemson may have multiple scorers in the event come ACC Championship time.

After Foreman spent last season as the lone standout in the women’s triple jump, Curtis’ performance suggests she’s capable of becoming the next major contributor in the event for the Tigers.

High jump

To close out this meet recap, freshman Danielle Noble made an immediate statement in the high jump. Clearing 5 feet, 7.25 inches, she secured second place in her collegiate debut. Stepping into the spotlight left by last year’s standout Nia Christie, Noble looks poised and ready for a strong freshman campaign.

Webb and Foreman may also test the high jump later in the season, as both have shown promise in the event in previous years.

What’s next

As the team pauses competition for the remainder of December, Clemson will return ready to go at the Clemson Invitational on Jan. 10. This jump squad and the rest of Clemson’s women’s track and field team are gearing up to make their mark in the ACC and on the national stage.