America East Track: Shanahan Earns Athlete of the Week

ORONO, Maine – University of Maine track and field star Bayleigh Shanahan is already making waves this indoor season, earning America East Female Track Athlete of the Week honors after a dominant performance at the Black Bear Invitational. This recognition isn’t just a personal achievement; it signals a potential breakout season for Shanahan and a promising start for the UMaine track program as they build momentum heading into the championship phase.

The America East Conference is seeing increased competition across its track and field programs, making weekly awards particularly significant. Shanahan’s success isn’t occurring in a vacuum; it reflects a broader trend of UMaine investing in its athletic facilities and recruiting talented athletes. The Black Bear Invitational, held at home, provided a crucial opportunity for Shanahan to showcase her progress and gain confidence early in the season. Personal records at this stage are often indicative of focused training and a strong off-season regimen, suggesting Shanahan is peaking at the right time.

The Forward Look: Shanahan’s performance immediately elevates her status within the conference. The 60m and 300m are key events for scoring points at the America East Championships in February. Watch for Shanahan to continue refining her technique and building endurance as the season progresses. Her times at the Bates College Invitational will be a critical indicator of whether she can maintain this early momentum. Beyond individual accolades, Shanahan’s success could also attract more attention – and potentially more recruits – to the UMaine track and field program, solidifying its position as a competitive force within the America East Conference. The coaching staff will likely use this early success to tailor training, focusing on maximizing her strengths and addressing any areas for improvement as they prepare for the championship meets.