Liessfeld crowned GNAC champion in pentathlon, runner-up in long jump; Dittman, Campbell, Sandefur and Prussian score bronze medals

UAA's Vivien Liessfeld wins pentathlon title, Sarah Dittman takes third; Mya Campbell, Cort Sandefur, and Anna Prussian also medal at GNAC Championships

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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It was a standout day for the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) track and field team at the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) Championships in Spokane, Washington. Vivien Liessfeld won the pentathlon title, becoming the fifth pentathlon champion in UAA history, and also finished runner-up in the long jump. Teammate Sarah Dittman placed third in the pentathlon, while Mya Campbell, Cort Sandefur, and Anna Prussian also earned bronze medals in their respective events.

Why it matters

The GNAC Championships are a crucial event for Alaska's top collegiate track and field athletes, showcasing their talents and providing opportunities for them to qualify for national competitions. UAA's strong performance, with multiple athletes earning conference titles and medals, highlights the depth and competitiveness of the school's program and the continued growth of track and field in the state.

The details

Liessfeld led the pentathlon from start to finish, winning the 60-meter hurdles, high jump, shot put, and long jump events before holding on in the 800-meter run to claim the title with 3,467 points. Dittman, a freshman from Anchorage, placed third with a personal-best 3,291 points. In the long jump, Liessfeld's mark of 18-8.50 was the farthest ever in the pentathlon at the GNAC Championships, while Campbell, a sophomore from Wasilla, took third with a jump of 18-5. Sandefur, a senior from Wasilla, set a personal best of 58-2.50 in the weight throw to earn bronze, and Prussian, a sophomore from Sitka, placed third in the 5,000-meter run with a personal-best time of 17:28.76.

  • Liessfeld won the pentathlon title on February 17, 2026.
  • Liessfeld finished runner-up in the long jump on February 17, 2026.

The players

Vivien Liessfeld

A junior at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) who won the pentathlon title and finished runner-up in the long jump at the 2026 GNAC Championships.

Sarah Dittman

A freshman at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) who placed third in the pentathlon at the 2026 GNAC Championships.

Mya Campbell

A sophomore at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) who placed third in the long jump at the 2026 GNAC Championships.

Cort Sandefur

A senior at Montana State University Billings (MSUB) who placed third in the weight throw at the 2026 GNAC Championships.

Anna Prussian

A sophomore at Seattle Pacific University who placed third in the 5,000-meter run at the 2026 GNAC Championships.

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What they’re saying

“Mentally, I had all my coaches lined up, and they kept pushing me. They kept on yelling, they had teammates come out here, which I really appreciated.”

— Vivien Liessfeld (GNAC Sports)

“I'm very glad that Vivien (Liessfeld) was with me because I didn't know a lot about today, but she helped me through it, so that was awesome.”

— Sarah Dittman (GNAC Sports)

The takeaway

The strong performances by Alaskan athletes at the GNAC Championships, including multiple conference titles and medals, showcase the growing talent and competitiveness of track and field in the state. These results highlight the continued development of the sport at the collegiate level and the potential for these athletes to make an impact on the national stage.