2022 USATF Foundation Elite Grant Awards Announced–50 Elite Track & Field Athletes Awarded $8,000 Grants

2022 USATF Foundation Elite Grant Awards Announced–50 Elite Track & Field Athletes Awarded $8,000 Grants

The sport of track & field is in the spotlight this week with the 2022 World Athletics Championships being held on U.S. soil for the first time in Eugene, Oregon. Adding to this excitement, the USATF Foundation is thrilled to award $400,000 in financial support to emerging athletes who aim to compete on this international level.  50 athletes will receive awards in the amount of $8,000.

Pursuing a career as a professional track and field athlete is a challenging task and it is the Foundation’s mission to alleviate part of the stress and financial burden with these awards.  This support allows athletes to prioritize their training and hopefully send them on a path to fulfill their potential. The funding is used on expenses such as travel, coaching, sports medicine and other costs associated with training for an Olympic Games or World Championships.

“I’m very grateful for the Foundation’s support.  This grant is going to go a long way in my endeavors to make the next World and Olympic team, and continue to build my professional athletic career. Specifically with new training tools, lifting equipment and travel expenses.  I appreciate all the USATF Foundation has done for me so far and hope to make everyone proud in the near future,” said USATF Foundation grantee Veronica Fraley, Discus Throw.

All USATF Foundation grants are awarded from a competitive pool of applicants.  Elite athletes are encouraged to apply every year in April or May.  The Elite Athlete Development grants are decided upon by the USATF Foundation Elite Grant Committee and criteria are based on athlete performance, monetary need, and a character reference.

“It is an honor to support such elite athletes, who are striving to represent the United States of America.  Go Team USA!” exclaimed USATF Foundation Board Member Shaun Skeris.

The 50 elite athletes to receive funding in the amount of $8,000 are:

Aaron Mallett 110m
Alyssa Wilson Hammer Throw
Anavia Battle 200m
Annie Kunz Heptathlon
Ariana Ince Javelin Throw
Brian Williams Discus Throw
Bridget Williams Pole Vault
Clayton Fritsch Pole Vault
Danielle Jones 1500m
Darrell Hill Shot Put
Elkanah Kibet Marathon
Elly Henes 5000m
Erica Bougard Heptathlon
Fiona O’Keeffe 5000m
Freddie Crittenden 110m
Gabriele Cunningham 100m
Gabrielle Jennings Steeplechase
Harrison Williams Decathlon
Helen Schlachtenhaufen 1500m
Isaac Grimes Long Jump
Jacob Wooten Pole Vault
Javianne Oliver 100m
Jessica Ramsey Shot Put
Johnny Gregorek 1500m
Kate Hall Long Jump
Katie Rainsberger Steeplechase
Kayla White 100m/200m
Lindsay Flanagan Marathon
Logan Blomquist Hammer Throw
Maggie Malone Javelin Throw
Marquis Dendy Long Jump
Marybeth Sant-Price 100m
Mason Ferlic Steeplechase
Micaela DeGenero 1500m
Michaela Meyer 800m
Michelle Atherley Heptathlon
Morgan Beadlescomb 5000m
Nia Akins 800m
Olivia Gruver Pole Vault
Payton Otterdahl Shot Put
Rachel Baxter Pole Vault
Reggie Jagers III Discus Throw
Robyn Stevens Walk
Shadrack Kipchirchir 10000m
Shania Collins 100m/200m
Teahna Daniels 100m
Trey Culver High Jump
Valerie Constien Steeplechase
Veronica Fraley Discus Throw
Whittni Morgan 5000m

 



The USATF Foundation provides a means to attract and guide funds to new and innovative track and field programs with an emphasis on providing opportunities for youth athletes, emerging and experienced elite athletes, along with guidance on future career paths. The Foundation depends upon donations from its Board of Directors, major gifts, and from generous fans of track & field.

Elite athletes are supported by the Foundation via monetary grants, career counseling (mentoring and jobs) and participation in Run With US!. Youth athletes are supported via monetary grants to youth clubs.

For more information, or to contribute to the USA Track & Field Foundation, Click Here or contact Tom Jackovic at (412) 398-2484 or tjackovic@usatffoundation.org.