Raleigh, North Carolina, February 18, 2026
NC State freshman Sadie Engelhardt has earned prestigious accolades as both the ACC Women’s Indoor Track Athlete of the Week and the ACC Women’s Indoor Track & Field Freshman of the Week. This recognition follows her record-setting mile performance at the ASICS Sound Invite, where she clocked an impressive time of 4:23.84, breaking multiple records for NC State and the Atlantic Coast Conference. Engelhardt’s achievements signal a bright future in collegiate athletics, reinforcing her status as a leading distance runner.
Raleigh, North Carolina
NC State Freshman Sadie Engelhardt Earns Dual ACC Track Honors Following Record-Setting Mile Performance
NC State freshman Sadie Engelhardt has been recognized as both the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Women’s Indoor Track Athlete of the Week and ACC Women’s Indoor Track & Field Freshman of the Week. These significant honors were announced on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, highlighting her exceptional performance in the indoor mile event. Her achievement marks a pivotal moment for both Engelhardt and the NC State track and field program, setting new benchmarks at both the university and conference levels.
Record-Breaking Achievement at ASICS Sound Invite
Engelhardt earned these accolades for her outstanding race at the ASICS Sound Invite on February 14, 2026, held in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. During the competition, she clocked an impressive time of 4:23.84 in the mile, securing a second-place finish overall. This remarkable performance established new records for both NC State and the entire ACC in the women’s indoor mile. The previous ACC record of 4:24.26 was famously held by NC State alumna Katelyn Tuohy.
Her time of 4:23.84 is not only a personal best but also ranks as the fifth-fastest in NCAA Division I for the ongoing 2025-26 season. Furthermore, this historic mark places her sixth all-time in NCAA Division I history, underscoring the national significance of her achievement. Engelhardt’s performance at the ASICS Sound Invite saw her significantly improve upon her previous mile time of 4:27.53, which previously stood as the 34th fastest all-time in Division I history.
Immediate Impact and Promising Future
A native of Ventura, California, Sadie Engelhardt arrived at NC State with an already distinguished athletic background. In her high school career, she was named the 2024 Gatorade Athlete of the Year and boasts multiple national and state titles, including four National Championships and five California State Championships. Her transition to collegiate athletics has been seamless and impactful; in the 2025 season, she was named the ACC Freshman of the Year in cross country. This latest recognition in track and field further solidifies her position as a dominant force in collegiate distance running. The NC State track and field program has been experiencing a strong period, with numerous athletes achieving record-book performances and podium finishes across various competitions. Engelhardt’s dual ACC honors highlight the depth of talent within the Wolfpack’s roster and signal a promising trajectory for her collegiate career.
This news comes as the indoor track and field season progresses towards championship events, where performances like Engelhardt’s are crucial indicators of competitive readiness. The Atlantic Coast Conference consistently features some of the nation’s top track and field talent, making these weekly honors highly competitive and a testament to an athlete’s caliber. Engelhardt’s ability to not only compete but also set new records at this level as a freshman suggests a significant future in the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What awards did Sadie Engelhardt receive?
Sadie Engelhardt received both the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Women’s Indoor Track Athlete of the Week and ACC Women’s Indoor Track & Field Freshman of the Week honors.
When were these awards announced?
These awards were announced on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
What performance led to Sadie Engelhardt’s recognition?
Sadie Engelhardt was recognized for her outstanding race at the ASICS Sound Invite on February 14, 2026, where she clocked an impressive time of 4:23.84 in the mile.
What records did Sadie Engelhardt break with her mile time?
Her time of 4:23.84 in the mile established new records for both NC State and the entire ACC in the women’s indoor mile.
How does Sadie Engelhardt’s mile time rank nationally?
Her time of 4:23.84 ranks as the fifth-fastest in NCAA Division I for the ongoing 2025-26 season and sixth all-time in NCAA Division I history.
What was Sadie Engelhardt’s previous ACC Freshman of the Year recognition?
In the 2025 season, Sadie Engelhardt was named the ACC Freshman of the Year in cross country.
What is Sadie Engelhardt’s hometown?
Sadie Engelhardt is a native of Ventura, California.
Key Features of Sadie Engelhardt’s ACC Recognition
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Athlete | Sadie Engelhardt | Individual |
| Institution | NC State University | State-level |
| Awards Received | ACC Women’s Indoor Track Athlete of the Week, ACC Women’s Indoor Track & Field Freshman of the Week | Conference-level |
| Date Announced | February 17, 2026 | Timeline |
| Event Performance | Indoor Mile (4:23.84) | Specific Event |
| Event Date | February 14, 2026 | Timeline |
| Event Location | Winston-Salem, North Carolina | State-level |
| Records Broken | NC State women’s indoor mile record, ACC women’s indoor mile record | University/Conference-level |
| National Rankings | No. 5 in NCAA Division I (2025-26 season), No. 6 all-time in NCAA Division I history | Nationwide |
| Previous Major Honor | 2025 ACC Freshman of the Year in cross country | Conference-level |
| High School Accomplishments | 2024 Gatorade Athlete of the Year, 4x National Champion, 5x California State Champion | Nationwide/State-level |
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