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Gator runner Parker Valby earned herself a second-place finish in this weekend’s NCAA championship. The SEC Women’s Runner of the Year posted a time of 19:30.9, tying the best time in program history. The sophomore from Tampa recorded the 15th best time in NCAA history.
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The runner-up finish earned Valby an All-American spot for the second time in her college career. Valby brought in a great deal of accolades this fall. The All-American was the SEC Women’s Individual Champion and a SEC All First-Team selection.
Making History
At the NCAA Championship, her 6k time of 18:25.87 was the fastest time to be recorded at a championship event in NCAA history. Valby’s most threatening competition was Mercy Chelangat, a former National Champion that fell seven seconds short to Valby. The performance earned her NCAA Runner of the Week honors.
After advancing to the NCAA Regional Championships, Valby cruised to another seamless victory. Her 6k time of 19:17.20 allowed her to beat the runner-up by nearly 18 seconds. Valby’s performance pushed the Gators to a 7th place finish.
She kicked the season off strong, with a first-place time of 18:58.2. En route to that first-place finish, Valby defeated Abby Engel of Ohio State. The redshirt sophomore won her first three meets, breaking records each time.
Despite her recent burst of success, all signs pointed to this. Valby was the SEC Freshman Runner of the Year in 2021, also earning First-Team SEC and All-American honors. In the second meet of her redshirt freshman season, Valby recorded the 10th fastest 6k time in program history.
Valby’s accomplishments this year demonstrate a significant leap in performance and preparation, although she already showed flashes of this success last season. A championship may be next.
