AREA ROUNDUP: Former WSU Track and Field Athletes Transfer to Arizona
In a notable offseason shake-up, several former Washington State University (WSU) track and field athletes are on the move — and they’re all headed to the same destination. As confirmed this week, a group of standout athletes from WSU’s now-defunct track and field program have officially transferred to the **University of Arizona**, continuing their collegiate careers under a new banner in the Pac-12.
The move comes after WSU announced in early 2025 that it would discontinue its men’s and women’s track and field programs due to budget constraints and broader athletic department restructuring. The controversial decision drew criticism from alumni, student-athletes, and community members, many of whom called it a blow to WSU’s long tradition in the sport.
Now, as athletes look to move forward, the University of Arizona has become a landing spot for several former Cougars, offering a new home and a chance to compete at a high level.
Among the transfers is **Sprinter Jalen Turner**, one of WSU’s most promising talents in the 200m and 400m events. Turner, who posted a personal best of 20.82 seconds in the 200m last season, said the decision to join Arizona was about finding stability and a competitive training environment.
“It was a really tough situation, but Arizona welcomed us with open arms,” Turner said. “They made it clear we wouldn’t be starting over — we’d be continuing what we’ve built.”
Joining Turner are field event specialist **Lena Morris**, mid-distance runner **Kaiya Jefferson**, and javelin standout **Tyler Kim**, each of whom played key roles in WSU’s recent success in Pac-12 meets. The Arizona coaching staff, led by head coach Fred Harvey, has praised the incoming athletes for their resilience and talent.
“These athletes have gone through a lot, and we’re excited to help them take the next step in their development,” Harvey said. “They bring toughness, experience, and energy to our roster.”
The influx of transfers gives Arizona’s track and field program a significant boost, especially with the 2026 outdoor season on the horizon. It also underscores how the ripple effects of WSU’s program cut are reshaping collegiate track and field rosters across the West.
For the athletes, the move is about more than just competition — it’s about continuity and community. Many of them transferred as a group, helping preserve the support network they had built at WSU. Some even credited their teammates for helping them stay grounded and motivated during a time of uncertainty.
“We leaned on each other a lot,” said Morris. “None of us wanted to give up on the sport. We just needed a place to land. Arizona gave us that.”
As they adjust to life in Tucson, the former Cougars are already making an impact in training and preseason meets. Coaches report that their presence has raised the bar for Arizona’s current athletes and brought a fresh intensity to practices.
While the future of WSU’s broader athletics program remains uncertain amid ongoing financial pressures, the stories of these athletes show the power of perseverance — and how, even in the face of institutional change, the drive to compete endures.
With the 2026 track and field season approaching, all eyes will be on how these former WSU standouts perform in their new environment. If early signs are any indication, they’re ready to make the most of their second chance — and carry the spirit of Cougar track and field into a new chapter under the Arizona sun.
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