MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – Making her first foray into national competition, Linfield University's Kira Hawaaboo secured NCAA All-America honors on Thursday, placing sixth in the women's long jump in at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium.
 
Hawaaboo's best effort came on her first attempt when she leaped 19 feet, 0 inches.
 
Rainah Dunham of Ursinus College claimed the national title with a mark of 19-7¼.

Afterward, Hawaaboo said participating in the NCAA Championships was "a phenomenal experience. The environment was amazing because all of the girls were extremely encouraging and nice! I loved the meet and how I performed! Even though I did not do as well as I had hoped, I am very happy with the final result. I had an incredible time competing at the meet and it will definitely be one to remember. (Coach Travis Olson) is an amazing coach and super helpful. I want to thank him a lot for believing in me and supporting me through this journey of a season."
 
The national championship meet marks a major milestone for Hawaaboo, who is competing in track and field for the first time. The one-time Linfield volleyball player and exercise science major has three seasons of track eligibility remaining.
 
"I couldn't be more proud of what Kira accomplished today," said Olson. "She competed extremely well and capped off an amazing season with another great performance."
 
Hawaaboo caps a remarkable debut season which saw her earn All-America honors, finish as the Northwest Conference champion in the heptathlon and long jump, break a 26-year-old-record in the long jump, set a conference-meet record, and receive NWC Women's Field Athlete of the Year and USTFCCCA West Region Field Athlete of the Year honors.