NEW ORLEANS – Southern Miss’ Emme Bates and Georgia State’s Zayna Fray have earned recognition as the first Sun Belt Women’s Indoor Track & Field Athletes of the Week this season for their performances to start the year. 

Women’s Indoor Track Athlete of the Week
Emme Bates, Southern Miss
(Jr. | Distance | South Hill, Wash.) 

Southern Miss’ Emme Bates broke her second program record this indoor season with her 4:43 mile time at the Arkansas Invitational over the weekend. In addition to shattering records for the second consecutive indoor meet, Bates also leads the Sun Belt with her mile time in addition to her time in the 3K.

Women’s Indoor Field Athlete of the Week
Zayna Fray, Georgia State
(Sr. | Throws | Ontario, Canada)

Georgia State’s Zayna Fray clinched her second consecutive first place title in the weight throw competition at the Samford Open with a personal-best 20.68 meter throw. Her mark set a new Samford Open weight throw record and placed her No. 17 overall in the country.

2026 Sun Belt Women’s Indoor Track Athlete of the Week
Week 1 – Emme Bates, Southern Miss

2026 Sun Belt Women’s Indoor Field Athlete of the Week
Week 1 – Zayna Fray, Georgia State