EAST STROUDSBURG – Freshman Elizabeth Makar made school history on Monday as she became the first thrower in East Stroudsburg University women's track and field program history to qualify for the NCAA Division II Indoor Championships, which will take place on March 11-12 in Pittsburg, Kansas. Maker is also the first Women's shot putter to qualify for the Division II Championships, Indoors or Outdoors.
When Elizabeth was asked about this incredible accomplishment, she stated, "I did not know that I am the first thrower to qualify for indoor nationals and in shot put; however, it is an honor that I get to represent my school at such a high caliber meet."
Makar becomes just the 14th individual women's track and field athlete in program history to advance to the NCAA Div II Indoor Championships, and the first since Aspen Gaita who competed in the Pentathlon and 60H in 2018.
After missing her freshman indoor season due to COVID, Elizabeth defied the odds and hit milestones that shocked everyone.
The Oxford, Pa. native joined the ESU family in 2020 and has been successful ever since. During her first season competing as a warrior, she broke a 42 year old school record in the shot put, and all three outdoor freshman records (shot put, discus, and hammer).
Her momentum only kept growing as she competed in her first collegiate indoor season this year. She started off the season strong on January 22nd when she broke the indoor shot put school record. What was so impressive was that she broke this record again…and again on January 28th and February 5th. To top it off, she also broke the freshman record in the weight throw.
When asked about her current records she stated, "I hold 5 freshman records, two indoor and three outdoor, two in which are overall school records. I have worked hard for these titles, and I am excited to see what the future will bring. The best is yet to come!"
Her event coach, Jim Morrison, and first-year Head Coach, Cortney Stafford both had nothing but great things when asked about her potential. Morrison stated, "In time Liz will be one of the top throwers in DII. She has a tremendous work ethic and great athleticism", while Stafford exclaimed, "I think this experience has allowed her to blow the lid off of what she originally believed she was capable of, it is now endless".
To highlight what this qualifying mark means for Elizabeth and the ESU track and field program, she is 1 of only 8 women representing the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, and 1 of 250 athletes who qualified for an individual event. When asked about what this feat means, Morrison said, "I have coached many great throwers during my time at ESU. All of them have had to grow into national caliber athletes. Liz is way ahead of those throwers, because of this she is the first women shot putter in ESU's history to qualify for the national championship. I am so proud of her attention to detail and hard work. It is going to be fun to see how far her talents take her during her time at ESU".
Elizabeth is confident in her and the team's abilities. She expressed, "I think the direction of the women's track and field team is up and coming. As we continue to improve our focus on recruiting, training with our strength and conditioning team, and overall great practices, this team will be a force to be reckoned with in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference."
Makar's throw of 14.55m ranks her 16th going into the championship meet! She will compete on Saturday, March 12th at 6:05 pm CST.
