Academy of Art University Athletics

In her first competitive jumping events of the outdoor season at the 2013 Sun Angel Classic, senior Vashti Thomas showed she had not missed a beat from the memorable indoor campaign. Beginning with the long jump, the senior flew 21-11 (6.68m) for a NCAA AQ, 2nd overall in the eight-jumper field (all NCAA DI athletes), the #1 mark in DII, and #2 in the world (according to the IAAF World List). It was the third farthest distance she has posted since joining ART U. Thomas now boasts two world rankings on the IAAF list as her wind legal 12.94 100mH race from the prelims at last week's Texas Relays is currently #1 on the world ranking list for 2013.

The triple jump event was another sight to see for the San Jose, CA native. Thomas' 43-1 (13.13m) not only qualified her for NCAAs, but it also placed her 1st of 12 at Sun Angel and among the Top 8 in all divisions.

"Vashti is always at her best when she is pushed," head coach Charles Ryan said. "She has been eager to open up her outdoor season jumping and she took full advantage of a great venue and a great competition. Not too many people in this world will ever see their names atop the IAAF world list and this woman has her name up there in two events! She is amazing and we're all having so much fun watching her do her thing."