Kolbe qualified in the 800 meters after delivering a poised and powerful performance at the NCAA East Preliminary Round, solidifying her status as one of the top runners in collegiate track…

Kolbe qualified in the 800 meters after delivering a poised and powerful performance at the NCAA East Preliminary Round, solidifying her status as one of the top runners in collegiate track…

 

Smilla Kolbe, a standout middle-distance runner for the University of North Florida (UNF), has earned her place among the nation’s elite for the second year in a row, securing a coveted spot at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships

Kolbe qualified in the 800 meters after delivering a poised and powerful performance at the NCAA East Preliminary Round, solidifying her status as one of the top runners in collegiate track.

Kolbe’s qualification is a testament to her relentless drive and remarkable consistency throughout the 2025 outdoor season. Entering the East Prelims ranked among the top contenders in the 800m, she didn’t disappoint. With composure and tactical precision, Kolbe surged in the final stretch of her heat, clocking a time fast enough to place her among the top finishers and secure an automatic berth to the national stage.

This will be Kolbe’s second consecutive appearance at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, a rare accomplishment that underscores her development as both a competitor and leader on the Ospreys’ roster. As a junior, Kolbe has steadily evolved into a cornerstone of UNF’s track and field program, helping raise its profile in national and conference competitions alike.

“Smilla has been dialed in all season,” said UNF head coach Jeff Pigg. “She’s raced with a level of maturity and focus that you don’t see often. Making it back to NCAAs is incredibly difficult, and she earned every bit of it.”

Kolbe’s journey this season has been marked by consistent improvement. She broke the school record in the 800m earlier this spring and posted multiple sub-2:04 times — placing her firmly in the conversation with the top half-milers in the NCAA. Her racing strategy — often staying patient in the early stages before unleashing a fierce kick down the homestretch — has made her a threat in every meet she’s entered.

The NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, hosted this year at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, will bring together the top 24 runners from across the country. For Kolbe, it’s not just about making an appearance — it’s about competing. With experience on the national stage already under her belt, she heads into Eugene with both confidence and a clear understanding of the intensity the competition demands.

Kolbe’s return to the NCAA Championships also adds to UNF’s growing legacy in track and field. She becomes one of the few Osprey athletes to qualify multiple times at the national level, a milestone that reflects the increasing competitiveness of the program.

As she prepares for the biggest race of her season, Kolbe remains focused on executing her race plan and continuing to represent UNF with pride.

“I’m excited to be back,” Kolbe said after qualifying. “Last year taught me a lot. This year, I’m stronger, more experienced, and ready to compete at my best.”

Kolbe will line up in the women’s 800m semifinals with a shot at advancing to the finals and making program history. Whether she lands on the podium or not, her return to the NCAA Championships marks another high point in what has already been an exceptional collegiate career.