Natasha Miller wrapped up an incredible individual performance by winning the NAIA’s Most Valuable Performer Award. She earned All-American honors in five events to lead Biola to an eighth place finish among 39 teams on Saturday at the NAIA Indoor Track and Field Championships.
Earlier in the week, Miller not only won the pentathlon but shattered the NAIA pentathlon record. The distance medley relay team of Miller, Nychelle Fischetti, Jeanette Hill and Katie Thede placed second overall on Saturday.
Earlier that day, Miller placed fourth overall in the 60m hurdles and the high jump and finished fifth in the triple jump. She helped score 22 of Biola’s 28 points and made history as she became Biola’s first five-time NAIA All-American in track and field.
Miller was not alone in her honors as an NAIA All-American; teammate Erin Hobson earned All-American honors with a seventh place finish in the pole vault. The senior cleared 11 feet, 3 inches in her first attempt to record her best vault in over three years.
Jonathan Zimmerman, head coach of Biola Cross Country/Track and Field, was immensely proud of his team.
“The Indoor Nationals was huge for the team,” he said. “To be representing Biola at the nationals in so many events and with so many athletes was awesome … I am very proud of all of them.”
Zimmerman also reflected on seeing Miller’s dedication and hard work pay off through the championship.
“Natasha certainly came in well prepared both physcially and mentally,” he said. “It was surreal to see her put all the pieces of the puzzle together for the Pentathlon Title and Record. The team was really behind her and it was special to see history being made.”
Miller feels overwhelmed but is enjoying the feeling of being a champion.
“I am so thankful for my entire team and my coaches, I do not know how to express it in words,” she said. “It has been an amazing experience, meeting new people, and deepening friendships my team and with competitors from other teams. Winning the pentathlon was just icing on the cake of building relationships and having a chance to compete for God’s glory.”
