Jurgens Named Outstanding Freshman

NORMAN — University of Oklahoma track and field freshman Lavinja Jurgens was named the Big 12 Women's Outstanding Freshman of the Year, the conference announced Friday. Jurgens is just the second Oklahoma track and field athlete to earn Outstanding Freshman in the indoor season, joining Hannah Cunliffe in 2015.

"We are very proud of Lavinja and everything she has done," OU interim head coach Tim Langford said. "Her gift and talent has made so much room for her in this program and institution."

The freshman from Rettenberg, Germany, earned the honor after claiming the women's high jump title at the Big 12 Indoor Championships in Ames, Iowa. Jurgens recorded a personal-best 5-11.50 (1.82m) mark in her championships debut, advancing to the No. 4 spot on OU's all-time performance list. The jump was the best of any performer in the Big 12 during the 2020 season. In addition, she has claimed top-five finishes in all of her high jump performances this season.

"We expect big things from her in the future," continued Langford. "Being a freshman and winning your first championship, that sets you up on a path of success that not many get to travel."

Jurgens finished in a tie for sixth in the national rankings for the women's high jump, earning her a spot at NCAA Indoor National Championships. She is set to compete at 2:15 p.m. CT on Saturday, March 14 in Albuquerque, N.M.

Players Mentioned

Lavinja Jurgens

Sponsors

University of Oklahoma Athletics