NEW ORLEANS – Southern Miss’ Emme Bates and Arkansas State’s Carly Pujol have earned recognition as the Sun Belt Women’s Outdoor Track & Field Athletes of the Week for their performances over the last week. 

Women’s Outdoor Track Athlete of the Week
Shatalya Dorsett, Georgia Southern
(Jr. | Sprints | Freeport, Bahamas) 

Georgia Southern’s Shatalya Dorsett delivered a trio of podium performances at the UNLV Rebel Elite Invitational. Dorsett captured the 200m title with a time of 23.10, which ranks No. 3 all-time in Georgia Southern program history. The junior sprinter also posted a strong showing in the 100m, finishing second with an all-conditions personal best of 11.23. Dorsett contributed to Georgia Southern’s success in the relay as well, helping the 4x100m group earn a bronze finish with a time of 45.14.On the season, Dorsett sits atop the Sun Belt standings in the 100m and ranks second in the 200m.

Women’s Outdoor Field Athlete of the Week
Kiara Strayhorn, Arkansas State
(Jr. | Jumps | Jefferson City, Mo.)

Arkansas State track and field jumps athlete Kiara Strayhorn established a 2026 Sun Belt best and a program record in the women's long jump with a distance of 6.43m/21-1.25 at the Bobcat Invitational on April 2. The Jefferson City native placed fourth in the event but now holds the fifth-best long jump distance in league history and the seventh-best nationally this outdoor season. The previous Arkansas State record was held by Sharika Nelvis, who posted a 6.40m/21-0 mark in 2013.

2026 Sun Belt Women’s Outdoor Track Athlete of the Week
Week 1 – Shatalya Dorsett, Georgia Southern
Week 2 – Emme Bates, Southern Miss
Week 3 – Shatalya Dorsett, Georgia Southern

2026 Sun Belt Women’s Outdoor Field Athlete of the Week
Week 1 – Elisabet Runarsdottir, Texas State
Week 2 – Carly Pujol, Arkansas State
Week 3 – Kiara Strayhorn, Arkansas State