Sha’Keela Saunders Named National Athlete of the Week

By Jake Most Dec. 16, 2015

LEXINTON, Ky. – Kentucky track and field’s Sha’keela Saunders was named National Athlete of the Week by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association on Wednesday.

Saunders began her season on Friday with a long jump of 21-feet, 6.25 inches (6.56 meters).

The mark took national lead by more than one foot.

That mark was her indoor personal best, meaning she opened the 2015-16 season with a mark better than what she produced to win both the Southeastern Conference title and NCAA Silver Medal last year.

Saunders mark was also a Gladstein Fieldhouse and Hoosier Open record.

Kentucky will next compete in two home meets, the Kentucky Invitational and McCravy Memorial in consecutive weekends during mid-January.