NCC Women’s Triathlon is ramping up the season with high-ranked team placing and individual finishes.
Head coach Tyler Woodward, a Level I Certified Coach by USA Triathlon, continues shaping his triathletes to perfection. He became head coach for the women’s triathlon program in 2023. Woodward explained his optimism for the women’s team:
“I’m most excited about the depth and potential of this team led by having so many upperclassmen on the roster,” said Woodward.
Swimming through challenges
When asked which opponents will exemplify the athlete’s hard work, Woodward noted that the team’s “biggest opponent coming into this year is last year’s number two team: Trine University. In our environment of racing, we are able to race with other schools from all divisions.”
Woodward was honest about the competition the team will face but has no doubt in his team’s ability.
“A perfect example of this is our two-time individual National Champion, Hailey Poe. Poe has raced and finished 18th against the top D1 and D2 athletes. These types of challenges really push the athletes, and they thrive off of it,” said Woordward.
Despite their continued success, Woodward recognizes that there is always room for improvement.
“Our biggest improvement over last year is our bike handling skills and confidence while riding and racing in general. Another big topic I preach is being ready for race situations both physically and emotionally,” said Woodward.
Physicality versus mentality
Woodward isn’t only training his team physically for live-action meets, but mentally as well.
“So, we have spent a lot of time simulating race situations that require physical demands. Sprinting to catch up to the next bike group, as well as hectic race environments. This prepares them for what can tax their mental and decision making,” said Woodward.
Woodward’s preparation for the women’s triathlon team appears to be effective so far. There is no question that the athletes have had a successful beginning season. His acknowledgment of the triathletes being students also creates a healthy environment. In addition to the team’s preparation for competition, Woodward puts on an emphasis on balance.
“Balancing all three sports can be challenging, especially when you add in the pressures of being a college student,” said Woodward. “Properly spaced workouts by workout type, intensity and duration are critical. But listening to your body and being on top of recovery and nutrition is also very important.”
“This is all dependent on where we are in our competition calendar and progression in training,” he continued.
Triathlon successes
Most recently, the team competed at Duquesne University’s College Cup. The NCC women’s triathlon team placed 6th overall. This was out of all divisions, in a total of 13 teams. NCC scored a total of 176 points.
The first Cardinal and Division III athlete to cross the finish line was Hailey Poe, ’25. Poe’s final time was 1:05:59.25. This outcome comes as a surprise for few, however, because Poe is the reigning USA triathlon collegiate national champion.
Another veteran athlete shone at this past competition. Bethany Smeed, ’26, was the second Division III athlete to cross the finish line. She finished in a time of 1:08:36.13, placing 30th overall.
To complete the podium, Charlotte Kumler, ’25, came in at third for the Division III triathletes. Kumler crossed the finish line at 1:09:55.16, placing 36th overall.
This powerhouse team is striving for success, and that much was prominent at this past meet.
“We know where we want to be at the end of the year and the culture that we need to get there as a team. We have the ultimate goal of winning Nationals this year and trust that by taking care of the little things, we will get there,” said Woodward.
The women’s triathlon team will compete Sept. 23, at Millikin University’s College Cup. Next, the team will attend the University of Illinois Oct. 1, competing in the Tri the Illini.
