Back-To-Back: Clemson Track & Field
Back-To-Back | Clemson Track & Field
Written by: Drake Risser
Orange: The Experience Magazine | V17 , Issue 3
Clemson Track & Field has a deep history of winning and delivered once again at the 2026 Indoor Track & Field ACC Championship. The Clemson Women’s Track & Field program adds to their trophy case with an impressive eighth Indoor ACC Track & Field Championship, as well as solidifying their role as back-to-back Indoor ACC Track & Field Champions (2025 & 2026).
The Tigers won in commanding fashion with a total of 82 points, 14 points above the next closest competitor (Duke). With star power all around, the Tigers have been impressive to watch all season. Individual ACC champions Nancy Cherop (3000 meters), Shantae Foreman (Triple Jump), and Oneka Wilson (60-meter hurdles) led the charge for Clemson Women’s Track & Field to shine this postseason.
In addition to having three women’s 2026 Indoor ACC individual champions, the Tigers succeeded in producing an additional five 2026 All-ACC recipients. These accolades added to the impressive regalia of awards the Clemson Women’s Track & Field Team would acquire over the three-day competition in Boston, Mass.
The Clemson Track & Field Team is led by Coach Mark Elliott. Over the course of his tenure, he has led the Tigers to five team ACC Championships. When asked how Clemson Women’s Track & Field will build off this win, Coach Elliott talked heavily about how this championship builds confidence and belief in a strong team with considerable talent. Coach Elliott on the importance of the unit as a whole, “All the credit goes to the student athletes.” Under Coach Elliott’s leadership the Tigers faced tremendous success at the 2026 Indoor Track & Field ACC Championship with five individual ACC Champions.
Nancy Cherop – 3000-Meter ACC Champion
From Mount Elgon, Kenya, Nancy has been an immediate standout for Clemson Track & Field since she arrived this year. Nancy opened her season at the Orange & Purple Invite and proceeded to run four different events in her first four meets. At the BU John Terrier Classic, just her second Clemson meet, Nancy would run 8:51.10 in the 3000-meter (3K) race, solidifying herself as Clemson Track & Field’s indoor school record holder. Upon arriving at the ACC Championship, Nancy would run the mile as well as the 3K. She ran 4:33.13 in the mile and 8:56.32 in the 3K, placing her second in the mile and winning the 3K.
Shantae Foreman – Triple Jump ACC Champion
Shantae Foreman has been a large part of Clemson Track & Field’s team for all four years of her college career. Shantae has won three Indoor ACC Championships (2024-2026) in the triple jump, with her latest being the 2026 Indoor Track & Field ACC Championship. Shantae won the competition with a jump of 13.20 meters. Her coach Pete Charles remarked on her abilities, “Shantae is a special athlete, not just because of what she can do in the triple jump, but because of how complete she is as a competitor. Her athleticism shows up in her speed, her power, and her ability to stay technically sound, especially when she’s under pressure.” Shantae would go even further in the postseason, marking a jump of 13.80 meters to place her second at the 2026 Indoor Track & Field NCAA Championships.
Oneka Wilson – 60-Meter Hurdles ACC Champion
Oneka Wilson is historic. She is Clemson Track & Field’s most impressive indoor competitor on the 2026 women’s team. Oneka is the first athlete to win four straight Indoor Track & Field ACC Championships in the 60-meter hurdles (2023-2026). When her event coach, Lennox Graham, was asked about her, he said, “I think she’s just a great competitor. She’s able to lock in and lock everything out and just be in her own zone.” Speaking very highly of her, Coach Lennox Graham talked about her goals to compete for her home country, Jamaica. Oneka won the 2026 Indoor Track & Field ACC Championship with a time of 8.12 and would go on to place seventh at the 2026 Indoor Track & Field NCAA Championship with a time of 8.11.
Jalen Johnson – 200-Meter ACC Champion
In only his sophomore year, Jalen Johnson was an outstanding competitor at the 2026 Indoor Track & Field ACC Championship. Jalen won the 200-meter with a time of 20.58. Along with winning the ACC Championship, this time would qualify Jalen to race at the 2026 Indoor Track & Field NCAA Championship, where he would run 21.09, placing him fourteenth in the country.
Shyhiem Scotland – High Jump ACC Champion
Shyhiem Scotland defended his title successfully at the 2026 Indoor Track & Field ACC Championship. With a winning jump of 2.19 meters last year, Shyheim followed this year with a winning jump of 2.14 meters. Shyhiem’s dominant mindset allowed him to overcome his obstacles in the regular indoor season and succeed in the postseason at the 2026 Indoor Track & Field ACC Championship.
Onto the next
Up next for Clemson Track & Field: the outdoor season, which is currently underway.
