UTEP Miners

UTEP’s Martin Concludes Successful First Season at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field West First Round Thursday Evening

5/28/2026 8:37:00 PM

RESULTS: 100 | 200

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – UTEP freshman phenom Cydni Martin completed her first season with the Miners, sprinting in the women's 100 and 200-meter prelims at the 2026 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships West First Round at John McDonnell Field on Thursday evening.

Martin clocked a time of 11.90 in the 100 in heat three, and capped the evening by competing in the 200, clocking in a 24.17 in heat six.

"Today didn't go the way we wanted it to for Cydni, but sometimes those moments become some of the most important parts of an athlete's development. She's had an outstanding freshman season and has accomplished things that very few athletes are able to accomplish at this stage of their careers," first-year UTEP head coach Francesca Green said. "Competing at the NCAA First Round is a different level, and this experience will be a tremendous learning opportunity for her moving forward. The lessons she takes away from today will help shape her growth, not only as an athlete but also as a competitor."

Martin was impressive in her first season. She entered the West Region ranked 44^th in the 200 with a time of 23.41 (SMU Invitational) and 46^th in the 100 with a time of 11.42 (Pacific Coast Invitational) on the qualifying list.

One of her 2026 season highlights was winning silver in the 200 (23.86) at the CUSA Indoor Track & Field Championships. Martin won the 100 at the Pacific Coast Invite with her PR 11.42 (3.7). At the SMU Invitational, the DeSoto, Texas, native placed second in the 200 with a personal-best 23.41. Martin also earned a CUSA Indoor weekly honor on Feb. 20. She concludes her freshman year, cracking the top 10 in multiple events. Martin ranks 10th in the 100 (11.42), tied ninth in the 100-meter hurdles (13.52), and 10th in the indoor 200 (23.86).

"Coach [Kimberly] Francis has done an amazing job working with Cydni throughout the year. The growth she has shown from the beginning of the season until now is a direct reflection of her commitment to the process and the coaching and guidance she has received," Green said. "What I know about Cydni is that she's resilient, she's talented, and she's going to continue to work. This is not the end of her story—it's part of the foundation of what I believe will be a very special career at UTEP. We're proud of her, and we know she'll use this experience as motivation moving forward."

SUPPORT THE MINER ATHLETIC CLUB
Help support UTEP student-athletes by making a gift to the Miner Athletic Club. Visit https://am.ticketmaster.com/utep/donor-level/MTY%3D today!

For complete coverage of UTEP Track & Field/Cross Country, be sure to follow the Miners on social media at @UTEPTrack (Twitter/Instagram/Facebook) or visit the official home of UTEP Athletics at UTEPMiners.com.

Print Friendly Version