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Senior Smilla Kolbe made ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ history by qualifying for the 2025 NCAA Indoor Track and Field National Championships this week. She will compete in the women’s 800-meter event at the Virginia Beach Sports Center this weekend, making a milestone as ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ’s first-ever qualifier from the men’s or women’s program.  

Kolbe secured her spot among the nation’s elite after running a personal-best and program-record time at the Celebration Pointe Classic in February. Her dominant season saw her claim victory in all three indoor meets, including a gold-medal finish at the 2025 ASUN Indoor Championships last month.  

"It's a great accomplishment to have an athlete qualify for the NCAA Indoor Championships," said Jeff Pigg, Cross Country/Track and Field director. "With the times around the nation, this was the hardest meet to qualify in NCAA history. There are a lot of phenomenal athletes from around the world competing for a spot in this event. Smilla is prepared and we know that this will be a great experience for her."  

Originally from Germany, Kolbe transferred to ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ in pursuit of both athletic and academic excellence. She is majoring in psychology with a minor in criminal justice and is set to graduate in December. Her passion for running led her to Jacksonville, where she sought an environment that balanced competitive athletics with a strong sense of community.  

“I came to ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ mainly because of the culture, the team and the area,” said Kolbe. “After finishing high school, I wanted to experience the sport at a high level in America, and I absolutely love it here.”  

Beyond personal achievement, Kolbe sees this milestone as an opportunity to inspire others.  

“I hope this motivates people and shows them that it’s possible to represent a ‘smaller’ university at such a big stage. Track and field is such a fair sport. No matter where you come from or what university you compete for, you can make it.”  

While her sights are firmly set on the NCAA Championships, Kolbe has even bigger dreams for the future.  

“In 2028, I see myself running in the Olympics in LA. That’s my main goal,” she said. “Along the way, I want to achieve my academic goals as well. I plan to get my master’s, though I’m still figuring out exactly what path I’ll take.”   

For now, Kolbe remains focused on making the most of her ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ experience. She treasures her time on the team, the training environment and the support from her coaches and peers.  

“Coming to the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ track in the morning is the best part of my day,” she said. “It brings me so much joy and it feels like home.”