Greenville, S.C. – The Conference Carolinas released its 2026 preseason indoor track & field polls and athletes to watch this week, with King University earning recognition for its emerging talent and competitive spirit on both the men's and women's sides.
Preseason Polls
King's men's team was picked 11th in the preseason poll with 74 points, while the women's team earned the 9th spot with 95 points. Though not at the top of the rankings, the Tornado are poised to outperform expectations thanks to a strong core of returners and promising newcomers.
Mount Olive was selected as the preseason favorite in both polls, with Converse and UNC Pembroke rounding out the top three in each. The 2026 Conference Carolinas Indoor Track & Field Championships will be held February 22–23 at JDL Fast Track in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Athletes to Watch – King University
Men's Team
- Lynden Johnson (Sr., Sprints – Freeport, Bahamas)
A USTFCCCA All-Southeast Region honoree, Johnson returns as one of King's top sprinters and a potential podium contender in the 60m and 200m events.
- Nate Rosson (So., Pole Vault – Murfreesboro, Tenn.)
Rosson looks to build on a strong freshman campaign and challenge for top marks in the pole vault.
- Dominick Stevens (So., Sprints – Louisville, Tenn.)
Stevens adds depth to King's sprint group and is expected to contribute in both individual and relay events.
Women's Team
- Ermay Vazquez-Adame (Jr., Distance – Commerce, Ga.)
A 2025 All-Conference Carolinas second team selection in the distance medley relay, Vazquez-Adame will anchor King's long-distance efforts.
- Savannah Darnell (Fr., Multis – Maryville, Tenn.)
Darnell enters her first collegiate season with versatility across events and potential to score in multis and jumps.
- Morgan Whitley (Sr., Distance – Danville, Ga.)
A seasoned leader, Whitley earned second team honors in the DMR and third team in the mile last season. She'll be a key figure in King's distance strategy.
Building Momentum
With a mix of experienced upperclassmen and talented underclassmen, King Track & Field is focused on development and postseason impact. The Tornado will look to climb the conference standings and make noise at the indoor championships in February.
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