Women's Track & Field Welcomes 13 In Class Of 2027

The Princeton University women's track & field and cross country coaching staff will welcome 13 talented newcomers for its Class of 2027. Head Coach Michelle Eisenreich, Cross Country Coach Brad Hunt, and Sprints/Jumps Coach Reuben Jones scoured the globe for the next crop of Tigers, recruiting student-athletes from five different countries and six different states.

"We are excited to welcome these thirteen incredibly talented women," said Eisenreich. "After a record-breaking year for our team in 2023, we expect to be even more competitive with their added strength. Their enthusiasm, drive, and commitment to the sport will make them leaders both on and off the track."

The Tigers will welcome Franziska Burchett, Audrey Kirkutis, Shea Burke, Anna Chittenden, Emily Cooper, Shantell Kwofie, Katelyn Maley, Olivia Martin, Angela McAuslan-Kelly, Anna McNatt, Hannah Riggins, Sophie Williams and Rachel Wilson.

Meet The Newcomers!

Franziska Burchett | Sprints
Gelsenkirchen, Germany | British School in the Netherlands

HS PR's: 100m: 11.91 … 200m: 25.05

Before Princeton: 2022 Germany U18 100m Champion … 2022 Germany U18 200m Champion

Coach's Comment: Franziska is a budding short sprinter who will add international experience to our sprint roster. We see Franziska as having an immediate impact on our sprint relays after representing Germany on multiple 4x100m junior relay teams. Franziska has proved she can succeed at the highest levels while competing in the U18 and U20 divisions; we are eager to see how she measures up within the Ivy League and at the NCAA championships.

Why Princeton: I chose Princeton because of the unique experiences and opportunities it can provide. Being a student-athlete allows me to combine rigorous academic studies with a challenging athletic program. The opportunities that being a part of the Princeton Track and Field team provides are truly amazing; from the coaches' expertise to the incredible facilities. I am looking forward to being part of a welcoming, supportive and driven community, and many exciting experiences!

Audrey Kirkutis | Jumps
West Hartford, Conn. | Conrad

HS PR's: High Jump: 5'8"/ 1.73m

Before Princeton: 2022 Indoor New England Champion … 2023 Indoor New England Champion … 2023 LL State Champion

Coach's Comment: Audrey has proved to be one of the most consistent high jumpers in New England and has cleared 5'7" eight times. Most recently, Audrey cleared 5'8" to win the Class LL championships. We are excited about Audrey's ability to compete on the biggest stages. She is a three time All-American and two-time New England Champion. Her outstanding competitive mindset in addition to her broad athleticism developed through additional training in the long jump and triple jump will make her a force to be reckoned with in the Ivy League.

Why Princeton: After meeting the team on my visit I knew Princeton was the school for me. While the gorgeous campus and incredible connections are definitely a factor, I felt at home the moment I stepped on campus. There was also a large emphasis on the amount of help offered in all circumstances, which made me feel more comfortable when deciding to attend a rigorous school. I am confident Princeton will help me reach my athletic and academic goals and I couldn't be more excited to be on campus in the fall!

Shea Burke | Hurdles
Point Pleasant, N.J. | Point Pleasant Boro

HS PR's: 100m hurdles: 14.36

Before Princeton: 2021 NJSIAA Group 2 100m Hurdle Champion … 2022 NJSIAA Meet of Champions 100m Hurdle Winner … 2022 NJSIAA Group 2 100m Hurdle Champion … 2022 NJSIAA Group 2 55m Hurdle Champion

Coach's Comment: Our coaching staff strives to keep New Jersey's best talent in the state. Shea has shown consistent progression in her 100m hurdle performance throughout her high school career. She is also battle-tested having rebounded from injury and other challenges. We admire the resiliency she has shown throughout her athletic career. Shea has only scratched the surface of her track potential and we expect her to leave her mark all over our program's sprint hurdles history.

Why Princeton: I chose Princeton because it really has everything. It was the only school I looked at that truly felt like home. The coaching staff is incredible and so welcoming yet at the same time so determined and powerful. I knew from the moment I stepped on campus this school would make me a better athlete, student, and person. Coach Jones is an incredible individual who strives for greatness, and I cannot wait to be a part of that experience. Besides the coaches, the athletes are so friendly and never fail to make you feel unwelcome. Overall, the school's entire atmosphere is just phenomenal and I cannot wait to get started. Go Tigers!

Anna Chittenden | Distance
Manhattan Beach, Calif. | Mira Costa

HS PR's: 1600m: 4:56.38 … 3000m: 9:55.64 … 3200m: 10:31.23

Before Princeton: 2021 – California D2 State Cross Country Championships – 6th … 2021 – California D2 State Cross Country Team Champions … 2022 – California D2 State Cross Country Championships silver medalist … 2022 – Nike National Cross Country Individual Qualifier

Coach's Comment: Anna comes from an outstanding high school distance program in Mira Costa. As a result of great coaching, Anna has developed and improved consistently throughout her career. As a senior, Anna become one of the best cross country runners in the state of California and ran lifetime bests at 1600M and 3200M. Anna will make an immediate impact this fall, as she brings team championship experience and championship expectations to campus.

Why Princeton: I chose Princeton for the academic and athletic challenges their outstanding programs offer. During my official visit, I was inspired by the team comradery both at practice and academically in school. Everyone I met was super welcoming, generous, and passionate about what they do. I cannot wait to explore all the opportunities Princeton has to offer and get to know this wonderful team!

Emily Cooper | Distance
Ann Arbor, Mich. | Ann Arbor Pioneer

HS PR's: 800m: 2:13.49 … 1600m: 4:56.00 … 3200m: 10:33.82

Before Princeton: 2022 New Balance Indoor National Champion DMR … 2022 New Balance Indoor National Champion 4X800m … 2022 New Balance Outdoor National Champion DMR … 2022 New Balance Outdoor National Champion 4XMile … 2023 Michigan State LP Track and Field State Championships bronze medalist at 3200m

Coach's Comment: Emily has had a remarkable team experience at Ann Arbor Pioneer high school. The heavy emphasis on relays has afforded her the luxury of competing against the best in the country on the biggest stages in high school track and field. Emily is a proud member of four national championship relay teams and ran a leg on the fastest Distance Medley Relay in high school history. Emily will explore her skills at longer distances on the track while building upon her obvious cross country talent.

Why Princeton: I chose Princeton University because of the exceptional opportunities it offers to grow as an athlete, student, and person. There is no place I would rather further my athletic and academic career. I am inspired by the program's history and can't wait to see it continue to evolve. When connecting the team and Coach Hunt on campus, I was immediately drawn to the program's chemistry and dedication to the sport. The emphasis on collaboration, hard work, and overall student-athlete balance makes Princeton the perfect fit. I can't wait to join the team in the fall. Go Tigers!

Shantell Kwofie | Multis
Amsterdam, Netherlands | Calandlyceum

HS PR's: Heptathlon: 5471pts … Pentathlon: 4003 pts … High Jump: 5'5.75"/ 1.67m … Shot Put: 44'9"/ 13.69m … Long Jump: 19'3.5"/ 5.88m … 60mH: 8.77 … 100mH: 14.00 … 400mH: 59.54 … 200m: 25.48 … 400m: 56.29 … 800m: 2:14.04

Before Princeton: 2020 National U18 400m indoor champion … 2020 National U16 champion in the indoor 60mH, indoor shot put and heptathlon … 2021 National U18 runner up in the 100mH and 400mH … 2022 National U18 champion in the indoor 400m, heptathlon, 100mH and shot put … 2023 National U20 champion in the pentathlon and heptathlon … 2023 National U20 bronze medalist in the Long Jump

Coach's Comment: A rising star in Dutch athletics, Shantell Kwofie will attempt to rewrite the record books at Princeton. She is the 2022 Dutch U18 champion and U18 European Championship finalist in the 400h. She is also the premier U20 Dutch combined event athlete after earning national championships in 2022 and 2023. Her 2023 Pentathlon score ranks her 10th in the world in the U20 division while her Heptathlon score ranks her 19th in the world. Shantell brings a broad skill set that will make her a threat in several events at the Ivy Championships and will also allow her to grow into one of the best combined athletes in the NCAA.

Why Princeton: I chose Princeton because it has a strong athletic and academic program. A school that is strong academically as well as athletically was a major reason for me deciding where I wanted to go. I believe that Princeton will be an excellent place for me to develop even further and reach my goals. I can't wait to join the group in the fall!

Katelyn Maley | Distance
Basalt, Colo. | Basalt

HS PR's: 800m: 2:13.27 … 1600m: 4:47.25 … 2K Steeple: 6:54.12 … 3200m: 10:32.33

Before Princeton: 2020 3A Colorado State Individual Cross Country Champion … 2021 3A Colorado State Champion in Cross Country and at 1600m on the track … 2021 3A Colorado State Track and Field runner up at 3200m … 2022 3A Colorado State Track and Field Champion at 800m … 2022 3A Colorado State Track and Field bronze medalist at 3200m … 2022 NSAF Nike National Track and Field Champion in the 2000m Steeplechase … 2022 3A Colorado State Cross Country runner-up

Coach's Comment: Katelyn has created success at every distance in every season. She is a state champion at 800M, 1600M, 3200M and cross country. In her second 2000M steeplechase, Katelyn was crowned the Nike National Champion as a junior. Katelyn has just scratched the surface in discovering her potential across all three competitive seasons. Katelyn will thrive with the addition of talented teammates to support her in training and racing at the next level.

Why Princeton: I chose Princeton because I believe the combination of strong academics and high-achieving athletics is unmatched. From the beginning of the recruitment process, I realized that my values strongly aligned with the coaches and team at Princeton. I connected with Coach Hunt's balanced approach to training and competing and felt welcomed by the genuine camaraderie within the team. The opportunities associated with being a Princeton student-athlete ultimately made the decision clear to me. I can't wait to be a part of the Princeton community!

Olivia Martin | Distance
Oxford, England | Magdalen College School

HS PR's: 800m: 2:12.94 … 1500m: 4:26.55 … 3000m: 9:38.62… 5000m: 16:44.87

Before Princeton: 2022 English School National Track and Field Championships bronze medalist at 3000m … 2023 South of England Cross Country Championships bronze medalist … 2023 Represented England at International Cross Cup in Diest, Belgium … 2023 England Athletics U20 Track and Field Championships runner up at 5000m

Coach's Comment: Olivia has erupted as a competitor in the last year of high school. She achieved lifetime bests at 800M, 1500M, 3000M and 5000M on the track while becoming one of the best U20 cross country runners in the UK. Olivia has elite racing experience that will immediately translate well at the college level. Olivia has created her success despite training on her own and was drawn to Princeton to join a team competing for championships in cross country and on the track.

Why Princeton: Princeton provides the ideal combination of outstanding academic opportunities and a challenging, yet highly supportive athletic environment, a combination I am confident will bring out the best in me as a student, athlete and person. I look forward to training alongside welcoming teammates and experiencing the true team nature of collegiate Track and Field, a culture that simply doesn't exist back home in England. Attending Princeton will also offer me the chance, unlike in the UK, to combine studies in the biological sciences with courses on bioethics and global public health, as well as continue to pursue my other academic passions. Go Tigers!

Angela McAuslan-Kelly | Throws
Aberdeen, Scotland | Robert Gordon's College

HS PR's: Hammer Throw: 191'4"/ 58.32m

Before Princeton: 2022 UK School Games champion in the U17 hammer … 2022 England Athletics U17 champion in the hammer … 2022 Scottish National U17 Champion in the hammer

Coach's Comment: In a single year of proper hammer training, Angela established herself as one of the top U20 hammer throwers in the world. She is currently ranked 36th in the world and leads the United Kingdom by over 5 meters. Angela's success is driven by pure athleticism, incredible determination, and an infectious enthusiasm. There is no doubt Angela will grow to become one of the top hammer throwers in Ivy history.

Why Princeton: I knew Princeton would be the right choice for me once experienced the team environment on my official visit. Coach Eisenreich made it clear that a supportive team environment is important within her squad. This was key for me as I come from a background of training alone, which became quite isolating. Importantly, the team at Princeton are not just supportive of each other but have very impressive depth of quality in the women's throws squad. Academically, I was drawn to Princeton as, in comparison to a British degree, Princeton allows me to pursue my interests for History, Politics and Languages rather than having to study a narrow course. Overall, I feel that the combination of academic and athletic depth will allow me to thrive best at Princeton. I can't wait to join, go Tigers!

Anna McNatt | Distance
Sacramento, Calif. | CK McClatchy

HS PR's: 1600m: 4:57.20 … 3200m: 10:33.57 … 5000m: 17:07.50

Before Princeton: 2022 California Division 1 State Cross Country Individual Champion … 2022 Eastbay West Regional Cross Country Championships – 8th … 2022 Eastbay National Cross Country Championships – 27th

Coach's Comment: Anna has run one of the fastest times in the history of California at the infamous Woodward Park. Anna has shined in the biggest moments against the best competition, winning an individual state cross country title and advancing to the Eastbay National Cross Country Championships. Anna has demonstrated remarkable persistence and patience to discover sustainable success in her senior track season. These same attributes will allow her to shine in a Princeton uniform across all three seasons.

Why Princeton: In my college search, I prioritized finding a university that would help me develop as a well-rounded person. Princeton offers an unparalleled academic experience, incredible athletic opportunities afforded by top-tier facilities and resources, and an extensive alumni network to support me in my career exploration. Coach Hunt's positive and progress-oriented approach to coaching encouraged me that at Princeton I will be valued not only as a student athlete but as an individual. It will be a special opportunity to compete in the Ivy League against other athletes who are among the most talented in the NCAA. After my visit to campus and getting to know the team, I knew that Princeton would be a great fit for me. Go Tigers!

Hannah Riggins | Middle Distance
San Diego, Calif. | Del Norte

HS PR's: 400m: 56.91 … 800m: 2:06.69 … 1600m: 4:41.42 … 3200m: 10:46.96

Before Princeton: 2022 – CIF San Diego Section Cross Country Championships Champion … 2023 – California State Track and Field Championships bronze medalist at 1600m … 2023 – California State Track and Field Champion in the 4X800m … 2023 – Brooks PR Invitational 800m – 6th … 2023 – Nike National Track and Field Champion in the 4X800m

Coach's Comment: Hannah has quietly become one of the best middle distance athletes in the country. Hannah ranks in the top 10 nationally at both 800M and 1600M among all seniors. Hannah is all about the team, as she and her teammates won the first ever California State Track and Field Title at 4X800M and ran even faster to win the same event at Nike Outdoor Nationals. Her impressive range and versatility from 400M to 1600M indicates she will make an immediate impact within the Ivy League in open events and relays alike.

Why Princeton: I chose Princeton for the world-class combination of academics, athletics, and commitment to civic engagement. The team's unconditionally supportive and welcoming culture stood out during my visit. I have no doubt that Coach Hunt and the team will elevate me to new heights, both on and off the track.

Sophie Williams | Sprints
Hatfields Beach, New Zealand | Kings College

HS PR's: 100m: 11.86 … 200m: 24.25

Before Princeton: New Zealand Secondary School 100m Record Holder … 2020 New Zealand U18 100m Runner-Up at 100m

Coach's Comment: At the age of 14, Sophie won a U18 100m National Championship in New Zealand while breaking a 47-year-old U16 national record in the 100m. She has set regional age group records in the 200m as well as run on multiple junior girls' 4x100m relay teams. After battling heavy COVID-19 restrictions in New Zealand, Sophie believes Princeton's resources will provide her with training stability needed to continue her development into one of her country's most promising junior track and field athletes.

Why Princeton: After the first Zoom meeting with Coach Jones, I immediately knew that Princeton was where I was meant to be. The way in which he spoke so proudly about the close-knit and supportive team environment the women created formed no doubt in my mind that Princeton was the place for me. Coming from New Zealand, which is a small country, the opportunities that Princeton had to offer are truly unmatched and will challenge me to become a better student-athlete and person.

Rachael Wilson | Sprints
Fairfax, Va. | James W. Robinson

HS PR's: 300m: 40.02 … 400m: 55.67 … 500m: 1:14.35

Before Princeton: 2022 VHSL Class 6 Indoor champion at 500m … 2023 Adidas Nationals champion in the Mixed 4X400m Relay … 2023 VHSL Class 6 Indoor champion at 500m

Coach's Comment: The Ivy League has a history in the long sprint events – Rachael will prove invaluable as we navigate our way through the indoor and outdoor Ivy League Heptagonal Championships. Since 2021, Rachael has finished no less than runner-up in the VHSL Class 6 Indoor 500m and has even begun exploring the long hurdles! Her endurance is her greatest physical strength, and our coaching staff believes we can build upon this strength. Once Rachael is introduced to a consistent speed and power program, she will unlock potential she never knew she had.

Why Princeton: I chose Princeton because there was no reason not to. From the moment I first visited campus, everything fit. Princeton perfectly embodies everything I ever wanted – a top tier, challenging, educational environment; a highly competitive sports culture; great coaches; a beautiful campus; a unique approach to learning; and a fully integrated academic and athletic support system. I could not be more excited to be a Tiger!

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