Princeton University Athletics
Women's Track & Field Welcomes 15 to Class of 2028
July 16, 2024 | Women's Cross Country, Women's Track and Field
PRINCETON, NJ - The Princeton Women's Track & Field team will proudly welcome 15 talented athletes as part of its incoming Class of 2028.
"We are incredibly excited to welcome the class of 2028 to our team," said head coach Michelle Eisenreich. "This class is one of the most talented groups of women that Princeton Track & Field has seen. They represent excellence across all the events and their contributions as athletes and leaders will spark an exciting chapter in our program's competitive history."
The Tigers will welcome Alysa Carrigan, Kamiel Crane, Emma De Jong, Layla Giordano, Brooke Jackson, Giselle Kirchner, Mirtel Klaar, Finia Kretschmann, Sofia Lieberman, Meg Madison, Jazmyn Singh, Jana Ter Wee, Margaret Thompson, Fleur Todd-Warmoth, and Khushi Umesh.
Meet the newcomers!
Alysa Carrigan – Jumps
Tuscarora High School, VA | Leesburg, VA
HS PR's: High Jump: 1.75/ 5'9" … Long Jump: 5.92/ 19'5" … Triple Jump: 11.91/ 39'1"
Before Princeton:
4 Time Virginia Class 4 High Jump champion
3 Time Virginia Class 4 Triple Jump champion
2024 Virginia Class 4 Long Jump runner up
2023 Virginia Class 4 Champion Long Jump
2023 New Balance Indoor Nationals champion
2023 New Balance Outdoor Nationals High Jump bronze medalist
2024 USA U20 High Jump 6th place finisher
Coach's Comment: Alysa is an incredibly versatile jumper having earned eight state championships in long jump, triple jump and high jump. Having also been a great basketball player, we are excited for both the great athleticism she brings to the track as well as her strong team ethic. Also, a national champion in the high jump, Alysa has proven she competes best on the biggest stages. She will most certainly play a pivotal role as we battle for the Heps Championship.
Why Princeton: "I chose Princeton because of the university's extraordinary athletic and academic opportunities. As soon as I stepped on campus, I fell in love with the school. When meeting the track & field team, I was impressed with how welcoming, friendly, and passionate they are about academics and track and field. Everyone made me feel very at home, and the campus was beautiful and felt safe. I believe the opportunities at Princeton, the diverse and worldly student body, and the exceptional professors and coaches will help me become the best person and athlete I can be."
Kameil Crane - Throws
Hannibal Senior High School, MO | Hannibal, MO
HS PR's: Javelin: 45.62/ 149'5"
Before Princeton:
Two-time qualifier for the Missouri Class 4 State Championship
2024 Missouri Class 4 State Championship finalist
Coach's Comment: A four-year qualifier to the Missouri state meet, Kameil brings a wealth of championship experience. Her success is due in large part to both her work ethic and her close study of the event. She has a quiet intensity that will be a great compliment to our returning throws crew. We are excited for all the contributions she will make to our great javelin tradition.
Why Princeton: "Princeton captured my heart at first look. The historic architecture and beautiful nature caught my attention first. As a person who loves to be challenged academically and athletically, I immediately knew Princeton was the perfect fit. The diversity and community I found on the campus was captivating. What sealed the deal, however, was the interaction with the coaches and athletes on the team. It was easy to see that the coaches genuinely cared for all the athletes. I can't wait to be a part of this new community and family!"
Emma De Jong – Distance
Lauriston Girls' School, Australia | Hawthorn, Australia
HS PR's: 1500M – 4:32.38 … 3000M – 9:41.32 … 5000M – 17:09.01
Before Princeton:
2024 – U20 World Cross Country Championships Qualifier
2023 – U20 Australian National Track and Field Championships at 5000M – 5 th
2022 – U20 Australian National Track and Field Championships at 3000M runner up
2022 – U18 Australian National Cross Country Championships runner up
2022 – Victorian State Track and Field Championships at 3000M champion
Coach's Comment: Emma has followed an impressive path of steady improvement throughout her high school career. Her impressive range from 1500M to 5000M on the track, has translated to outstanding success in cross country. The opportunity Emma earned to represent Australia at the U20 World Cross Country Championships will propel her forward, to even greater success, across all three seasons.
Why Princeton: "I chose Princeton because of the unique opportunity to combine an amazing education with a great distance team and coach. In Australia, university is, quite simply, nothing like Princeton University. More importantly, when I visited campus in December, I witnessed the supportive and friendly team environment and thought, 'I could be happy here,' despite being so far from home. I am excited for the journey and adventures ahead."
Layla Giordano – Throws
Northern Valley High School, NJ | Northvale, NJ
HS PR's: Discus: 52.48/ 172'2" … Shot Put: 15.24/ 50'0"
Before Princeton:
2023 and 2024 New Jersey Meet of Champions discus champion
2023 New Jersey Meet of Champions shot put champion
2023 New Balance Outdoors Nationals discus champion
2024 Penn Relays discus champion
2024 New Jersey Meet of Champions shot put runner up
2024 New Balance Outdoors Nationals discus runner up
Coach's Comment: One of the best throwers in New Jersey high school history, Layla is a fierce championship competitor. She ended the high school season nationally ranked 6th in the discus and 10th in the shot put; one of only two women to rank in top ten in both events. She holds the New Jersey Meet of Champions record in the discus and currently has a top 30 U20 world ranking in both the shot and discus. Layla is a leader who elevates the competitiveness of everyone around her and will be a force to be reckoned with both within the Ivy League and the NCAA.
Why Princeton: "I chose Princeton because it allowed me to join a prestigious institution known for its academic and athletic excellence. The overall atmosphere of the school drew me in as well as its beautiful campus that made me feel inspired and motivated from my very first visit. I am confident that the community at Princeton will allow me to flourish and reach the next level on and off the track."
Brooke Jackson – Sprints
Seven Lakes High School, TX | Katy, TX
HS PR's: 100m: 11.72 … 200m: 24.36
Before Princeton:
2024 New Balance Indoor Nationals 60m finalist
Coach's Comment: Brooke made it well known early in her recruiting process her desire to reach her own full potential. Since the youth stages, Brooke has found comfort in chaotic environments. From USATF age group champion to New Balance Indoor finalist, Brooke brings a wealth of experience to Princeton sprints. She has demonstrated great resilience during unscheduled interruptions to her training and competitions. We strongly believe that, when at her best, Brooke can compete with the best sprinters in the NCAA.
Why Princeton: "I chose Princeton because I knew that it would be the perfect place to cultivate both my academic and athletic abilities while pursuing both to the fullest extent."
Giselle Kirchner - Hurdles
Rocklin High School, CA | Rocklin, CA
HS PR's: 60m Hurdles: 8.83 … 100m Hurdles: 13.85 … 300m Hurdles: 43.96 … 400m Hurdles: 1:04.79
Before Princeton:
2023 USATF 15-16 age group Junior Olympic 100m hurdles bronze medalist
2023 California state meet 100m Hurdle runner-up
2022 California state meet 100m Hurdle 4th -place finish
2022 USATF 15-16 age group Junior Olympic 100m hurdle champion
Coach's Comments: Giselle's determination and grit can be felt from a million miles away. Giselle finished her junior and senior seasons ranked 3rd in the 100m hurdles in the state of California. Her continued development in the long hurdles and flat sprints has us curious on the magnitude of Giselle's impact on the program. We expect her to have the opportunity to compete against the East region's best as her performances trend closer to NCAA qualifying standards.
Why Princeton: "I chose Princeton because I knew I would be pushed to my fullest potential both athletically and academically. After talking with Coach Jones I agreed with his philosophy and coaching style. I could see myself improving under his leadership. The moment I stepped on campus it felt like home and I had a gut feeling that Princeton is where I am meant to be. I love the supportive and tight-knit atmosphere of the team and can't wait to be a part of it!"
Mirtel Klaar – Combined Events
Tallinn Secondary School of Science, Estonia | Tallinn, Estonia
HS PR's: Heptathlon: 5229 … Pentathlon: 3833 … Long Jump: 5.80/ 19'0" … High Jump: 1.75/ 5'9" … 800m: 2:21.19 … 200m 24.84
Before Princeton:
2024 U20 Baltic Championships Heptathlon runner up
2023 U20 Estonian Championship Heptathlon champion
2023 U20 Baltic Championships Heptathlon bronze medalist
2023 U20 European Championships Heptathlon 9th place finish
Coach's Comment: Mirtel has steadily developed into one of the top European U20 Heptathletes. She is currently ranked 16th in Europe and 23rd in the world. Her strength lies in her balance across all 7 events. Her height and foot speed suggest she is only scratching the surface of her full potential. Her knowledge of the sport, excitement for the team environment, and strong work ethic will be a great addition to our combined events crew.
Why Princeton: "I chose Princeton because it offers the unique opportunity to engage in high-level sports while also receiving an excellent education. Beyond its outstanding sports facilities and academic excellence, Princeton's greatest asset is its supportive and unified community. After speaking with Coach Eisenreich and former athletes, I discovered that Princeton fosters a very positive and encouraging atmosphere that will enable my personal and athletic growth. I am thrilled to start working with an incredible new training group this fall!"
Finia Kretschmann – Middle Distance
Kardinal-Frings-Gymnasium, Germany | Bonn, Germany
HS PR's: 400M – 57.96 … 800M – 2:10.80 … 1500M – 4:28.90
Before Princeton:
2021 – Nordrhein U18 State Championships at 800M champion
2021 – German U18 Championships at 800M runner up
2021 – Nordrhein U18 Cross Country Championships champion
Coach's Comment: Finia has an invaluable ability to celebrate progress as a student-athlete. She has demonstrated tremendous persistence while patiently recovering from a setback in her training and racing cycle. Finia arrives to campus with excellent high level racing experience from 400M – cross country. She will fit seamlessly within our well established middle-distance group and she will make an immediate impact on the track in both open events and relays.
Why Princeton: "I chose Princeton because of the unique opportunities it provides for me both as a student and as an athlete. Although I didn't visit campus in person, I felt welcomed from the beginning and I am confident that Princeton will become my second home abroad. Coming from Germany, I am looking forward to competing as part of a team together with athletes from all disciplines in NCAA competitions. Beyond the athletic opportunities, Princeton's motto emphasizing the service of humanity and civic engagement deeply aligns with my personal values, making it a community I am eager to join. I couldn't be more excited to be a Princeton Tiger."
Sofia Lieberman – Middle Distance
Murrieta Valley High School, CA | Murrieta, CA
HS PR's: 400M – 58.55 … 800M – 2:11.68 … 1600M – 4:44.54
Before Princeton:
2023 and 2024 CIF State Track and Field Championships at 1600M finalist
2023 CIF State Cross Country Championships – 10th
2023 Arcadia Invitational at Open Mile champion
Coach's Comment: Sofia has been at her very best when it mattered most. Her lifetime bests at 1600M came in the state final as both a junior and senior. Sofia has demonstrated a good range from 400M to cross country and her skills will translate well to the heavy middle distance opportunities in the Ivy League. Sofia is just discovering how good she can be and I am most excited to see her blossom in the seasons ahead.
Why Princeton: "Choosing Princeton for my academic and athletic future was an easy decision. Princeton's strong academic reputation and beautiful campus speak for themselves. What really stood out to me was the team, who are incredibly inspiring, supportive, and friendly. The coaching staff's dedication to continuous improvement, along with Coach Hunt's supportive nature, further confirmed that I made the right choice."
Meg Madison – Distance
Winsor School, MA | Newton, MA
HS PR's: 1500M – 4:31.38 … Mile – 4:51.68 … 2 Mile – 10:28.40 … 5000M – 17:04.85
Before Princeton:
2024 – D2 NEPSTA Championship MVP – 800M and 1500M Champion
2022 – Foot Locker National Cross Country Championships – 27th
2022 – D1 NEPSTA Cross Country Champion
2021/2022 – Massachusetts Gatorade Cross Country "Runner of the Year"
Coach's Comment: As a multiple-sport athlete, Meg has demonstrated a fierce competitive spirit. Throughout the recruiting process, I was so impressed by her ability to balance the demands of elite level racing while being a captain and contributor on the lacrosse field. Meg has the ability to make an instant impact in cross country while exploring her range from the mile to the longer distances on the track.
Why Princeton: "Princeton is the best of all worlds to me. On top of Princeton's commitment to outstanding academics and athletics, I was amazed by the campus, facilities, and how welcoming and kind the team was throughout the recruiting process. I immediately connected with Coach Hunt and the way he values his athletes as both runners and people. I cannot wait to be a part of this team and the wider Princeton community!"
Jazmyn Singh - Sprints
Smithson Valley High School, TX | San Antonio, TX
HS PR's: 400m: 54.41 … 200m: 24.10
Before Princeton:
2024 Texas 5A UIL 400m bronze medalist
2023 Texas 6A 4x400m relay champion
2022 Nike Nationals 4x400m Relay champion
Coach's Comments: Jazmyn has the strength of a mid-distance athlete plus the speed of a short sprinter. Not only has she made the 400m final for three consecutive seasons at the Texas state meet, but she steadily improved her placement each year (6th in 2022, 5th in 2023, 3rd in 2024). As part of the 4x400m relay, Jazmyn has won at the national and state level. Her strong character and leadership abilities reflect those of a champion in the Ivy League. We expect Jazmyn to be a backbone of our sprint group for years to come.
Why Princeton: "When I stepped onto campus in the fall for my visit, I immediately knew that I wanted to attend Princeton. The students, coaches, and athletes I met had such an inviting presence about them and as I got to know them, I learned that many of these students had similar mindsets and academic/athletic interests and goals as myself. I felt as if I would fit in perfectly and that I would be able to make a true difference at Princeton! When I met the girls track team, they had a supportive and positive environment! I am so excited to be joining such an amazing program and can't wait to be there in the fall!"
Jana Ter Wee – Throws
West Lyon High School, IA | Larchwood, IA
HS PR's: Shot Put: 44'2" … Discus: 143'4"
Before Princeton:
2023 and 2024 Iowa 2A Shot Put champion
2023 AAU Junior Olympics Shot Put runner-up
2022 Iowa 2A Discus champion
Coach's Comment: One of the United States' top ranked female high school wrestlers in her weight class, Jana brings incredible work ethic and athleticism to the track. A three-time Iowa state meet champion in the discus and shot, she has the championship experience needed to compete well at the biggest meets. Also a budding hammer thrower, Jana has the potential to make a big impact across three events.
Why Princeton: ?"I knew Princeton was the choice for me when I stepped on campus and felt like it was a place for me to truly flourish. I knew that I wanted to be a student-athlete, not just an athlete. On top of that, I felt so welcomed by the team and felt right at home. I have done a lot of individual training and competing, so I wanted to be a part of a team that was actually going to support each other. The team made me feel like I could be a part of a close knit community in a big place, which is what I am used to since I come from small town Iowa. Lastly, I have always craved diversity in my life, my environment, and my interests. I wanted to go someplace new and I wanted to explore. Princeton and New Jersey checked all those boxes for me. Overall, the university is so well rounded and has offered me an extremely promising future. I can't wait to be a tiger!"
Margaret Thompson – Distance
The Hockaday School, TX | Dallas, TX
HS PR's: 1600M – 4:57.75 … 3200M – 10:49.04 … 2K Steeple – 6:52.75 … 5000M – 17:29.60
Before Princeton:
Texas Relays 2000M Steeplechase Champion - 2022, 2023, 2024
SPC State Track and Field 3200M Champion – 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
SPC State Cross Country Champion – 2021
Coach's Comment: We first noticed Margaret at the Texas Relays, as she won her first of three consecutive individual 2000M steeplechase titles. Despite a low mileage background and balancing the demands of being a multiple sport student-athlete, Margaret thrived in championship moments in every season of her high school career. I am excited to see her pursue her passion in the steeplechase while building an even greater resume in the fall, winter and spring.
Why Princeton: "I chose Princeton because the experience that Princeton offers both athletically and academically is unrivaled, and I am confident that it will enable me to pursue my goals in both areas. When I connected with Coach Hunt, I was inspired by his enthusiasm for Princeton's running program and the passion that I saw in each member of the coaching staff during my campus visit, as they invested in both the athlete and the person. During my visit, I was excited not just by the team's talent, but also the dedication to excellence, supportive network, and fun vibe, which are crucial to success. Princeton fosters a wonderful sense of community, and it is a gorgeous place to train, compete, study, and live for my university years. I could not be more excited for the next four in the black and orange. Go Tigers!"
Fleur Todd-Warmoth – Distance
Emanuel School, England | London, England
HS PR's: 1500M – 4:28.11 … 3000M – 9:16.35 … 5000M – 16:32.00
Before Princeton:
2022 – England Championships at 3000M runner up
2022 – UK Youth Development League Upper National Finals at 800M and 3000M champion
2022 – National Athletics League Premiership at 5000M champion
5th Fastest All-Time Performance, U17 3000M
Coach's Comment: Fleur has demonstrated her wonderful talent and the ability to handle a tremendous work capacity from a young age. I am excited to surround her with other motivated and talented women, in and out of the locker room, as she builds upon her fantastic athletic resume. Fleur will have the luxury of pursuing her skills from the 1500m to the long distance events on the track while enjoying the team aspect of cross country. Princeton University is an excellent fit for Fleur as she continues her promising trajectory in the competitive arena.
Why Princeton: "I chose Princeton University for its prestigious academic programs and outstanding athletics department. During my official visit in September, I was profoundly impressed by the talent and camaraderie within the athletics team. The enthusiasm and dedication of the athletes left a lasting impression on me. I am very excited about joining this exceptional squad in the fall alongside the diverse array of opportunities and experiences that Princeton will provide.
Khushi Umesh - Sprints
Suryadatta National School, India | Pune, India
HS PR's: 400m: 55.49 … 200m: 24.58
Before Princeton:
2023 U-18 Indian Athletics 200m champion
2023 U-18 Indian Athletics 400m bronze medalist
2023 U-20 Indian Athletics 400m 400m bronze medalist
Coach's Comment: Khushi is an avid learner with a knack for grasping new concepts and applying them. She quickly rose from rookie to one of India's premier junior sprinters. Her training age in track and field only extends as far back as 2019. Even with inconsistent training resources, Khushi's talent could not be denied. Whether in the 200m, 400m or on both sprint relays, she will have the ability to contribute across the entire sprint tree.
Why Princeton: "I knew Princeton was the place for me after talking with Coach Jones. His vision for the team, and his eagerness to keep learning about the sport really resonated with me. The way Coach described the team and environment among them felt like home, and I knew I wanted to be a part of that. Along with that, Princeton's commitment to world class undergraduate education along with amazing athletics programs was a major factor in my decision. The campus is unmatched and getting to study and train there is a dream come true!"
