A 4th Title for Triathlon

Only 40 schools across all three NCAA divisions nationwide have women competing in triathlon. North Central is one of them, and it is among the most dominant. On Nov. 12, 2022, in Tempe, Ariz., the Cardinals capped an undefeated 2022 season by winning the program’s fourth USA Triathlon Collegiate National Championship.

Besides the team win, Hailey Poe ’25 ran away with the individual title for the second consecutive year, making her a two-time All-American. She finished the race — a 750-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike, and 5K run — in one hour, 10 minutes, and 47.6 seconds. Poe beat the rest of the field by nearly four minutes. All seven Cardinals placed in the top 27 out of 56 DIII athletes. Joining Poe as All-Americans were Scarlett Schuth ’25 (fourth), Bethany Smeed ’26 (fifth) and Charlotte Kumler ’25 (seventh). Smeed was named 2022 Freshman of the Year, the first true freshman across the national finish line.

Averi Lewis, first-year head coach, says it was a true team effort. “Each of our athletes at nationals had their best race of the season. We couldn’t be happier.”

In March, the City of Naperville honored the team with a special proclamation that coincided with the year-long commemoration of 50 years since the passage of Title IX.

Timeout with Hailey Poe ’25

Major: Ethical Leadership and Sport Management

Hometown: Bridgeville, Pa.

In addition to being a student-athlete, Hailey Poe ’25 is vice president of the Student Athlete Advisory Council, a member of the Orientation Staff, and a First-Year Mentor. She is also a volunteer, both with Special Olympics and as a campus captain for North Central’s chapter of The Hidden Opponent, an organization that raises awareness about student-athlete mental health.

How did you find the sport of triathlon?

When I was 7, I entered a youth triathlon. I swam, rode my Barbie bike, and ran. I finished second to last, but it was fun. I did it again the next year and the next. I did get a better bike! In fact, when I was 10, my parents bought a bike shop. In high school I was on the swim team, and I ran cross country and track.

Why did you choose North Central?

I was drawn to the ethical leadership major. I took leadership studies in high school and was involved in student government. I want to bring leadership studies into sports. And North Central had a triathlon team, so I visited, and it was a great experience.

What are your goals as an athlete?

I want to have fun and prove that DIII isn’t less competitive. I want to repeat as much as possible as a national champion and always have a teammate on the podium with me. Finish line hugs are better than anything in the world.