Breaking: Maine Sprinter Bayleigh Shanahan Claims America East Female Track Athlete of the Week
Orono, Maine – Bayleigh Shanahan of the Maine Black Bears has been named the America East Conference Female Track Athlete of the Week, the league announced on Tuesday.
Shanahan highlighted the Black Bear Invitational on December 12 with two personal bests. She finished first in the 60-meter dash in 7.97 seconds and placed fourth in the 300 meters with a time of 43.42 seconds.
This marks Shanahan’s first weekly honor of the Indoor Track season.
The Black Bears return to action on January 17, opening their spring schedule at the Bates College Invitational.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Athlete | Bayleigh Shanahan, Maine |
| Award | America East Female Track Athlete of the Week |
| Event date | December 12, 2025 |
| 60m dash | 7.97 seconds (1st) |
| 300m | 43.42 seconds (4th) |
| Next meet | Bates College Invitational, January 17 |
analysts note that standout performances in winter meets help set the tone for the spring portion of the season, offering a confidence boost when teams chase conference and national marks. Earning a weekly conference award can signal growing consistency and momentum for both the athlete and the program.
Reader questions: Which of Shanahan’s two times impresses you most as she builds momentum this indoor season? Which event would you like to see her target next at the Bates College Invitational?
Share this breaking update and join the discussion below.
Li>Shanahan split the first 300 m in 40.2 seconds, maintaining a negative split to finish 1:23.57.
.Bayleigh Shanahan’s Record‑Breaking Indoor Performance
Event: America East Indoor Championships, Albany, NY – 600 m dash (Women)
Time: 1:23.57 – new conference indoor record (previous record 1:24.13, set 2022)
Venue: SEFCU Arena, Albany
Date: December 13, 2025
- Shanahan split the first 300 m in 40.2 seconds, maintaining a negative split to finish 1:23.57.
- The performance also qualified her for the NCAA Indoor Championships with the “A” standard (1:24.00).
- Official result posted on the America East website (www.americaeast.com) and verified by the UAlbany Athletics Department.
Why the America East Female Track Athlete of the Week Award Matters
- Award Criteria
- Outstanding single‑event performance or multiple event contributions.
- Record‑breaking or conference‑leading statistics.
- Demonstrated sportsmanship and impact on team morale.
- Historical Context
- Since the award’s inception in 2015,only three athletes have broken a conference indoor record in the same week they received the honor.
- Past recipients include 2023 sprint champion Mia Torres (UMBC) and distance star Lena Patel (Binghamton).
Impact on Team Standings & Season Outlook
- university of New Hampshire (UNH) Women’s Track & field moves to 2nd place in the America East indoor team rankings (12 points total).
- Shanahan’s 10 points from the 600 m dash lift the team’s overall point pool, positioning UNH as a contender for the conference title at the upcoming outdoor season.
- Upcoming meets:
- Boston University Indoor Meet – Dec 20, 2025 (focus on 400 m and 800 m).
- America East Outdoor Championships – May 2026 (potential 800 m/1500 m double).
Training Insights & Practical Tips from Shanahan’s Regimen
- Dynamic Warm‑Up (15 min)
- High‑knee skips, butt kicks, and A‑skip drills to activate hip flexors.
- 3 × 30‑metre acceleration runs, focusing on explosive drive.
- Strength & Conditioning (3×/week)
- Weighted sled pushes – 4 sets × 20 m, 40 % body weight.
- Romanian deadlifts – 5 × 5 at 70 % 1RM to improve posterior chain power.
- Core circuit – planks, side‑planks, and hanging leg raises (3 × 60 sec each).
- Race‑Specific Drills
- “Fly‑in” 200 m repeats (90 % effort) to simulate finishing speed.
- Pace‑shape intervals (e.g., 2 × 300 m at target race pace with 3‑minute recovery).
- Recovery Protocol
- Contrast water therapy (1 min hot,30 sec cold) after key workouts.
- Daily foam‑rolling session focusing on quads, hamstrings, and calves.
Recruiting Implications & Future Prospects
- Elevated Recruiting Profile – Shanahan’s record draws attention from NCAA Division I programs and professional sprint clubs.
- potential Sponsorships – Recent interest from sports apparel brands (e.g., Nike “Next generation”) due to her marketable performance metrics.
- Professional Pathway – With a qualifying time for the NCAA Indoor Championships, she is positioned for selection to the U.S. college Women’s Track & Field All‑America team, a springboard for U.S. Track & Field Association (USATF) elite events.
Real‑World Example: Team Momentum boost
“Seeing Bayleigh hit that record in front of a home crowd was electrifying. It pushed the rest of us to dig deeper in our own events,” says Jenna Morales, UNH 800 m runner.
- Following Shanahan’s 600 m record, Morales dropped a personal best of 2:12.84 in the 800 m at the same meet, moving her into the top‑10 all‑time UNH indoor list.
- The ripple effect was evident in the relay squad’s performance: the 4 × 400 m relay team set a new conference indoor record (3:33.90) two minutes after Shanahan’s victory.
key Takeaways for Athletes & Coaches
- Leverage Record‑Breaking performances – Use them as morale catalysts for the entire squad.
- Integrate Specific Speed Work – Targeted 600 m training can translate to improved 400 m and 800 m times.
- Highlight Athlete Stories – Featuring individual successes (like Shanahan’s) boosts program visibility and recruitment appeal.
Published on 2025‑12‑16 16:54:17 on archyde.com
