WSU's Rosemary Longisa places second in mile at NCAA Indoor Championships

Longisa posts time of 4:40.21, just behind national champion Wilma Nielsen of Oregon

Mar. 15, 2026 at 2:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Washington State sophomore Rosemary Longisa finished second in the mile race at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships on Saturday in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Longisa crossed the finish line with a time of 4:40.21, just behind national champion Wilma Nielsen of Oregon who posted a time of 4:40.06. Longisa earned All-America honors with her runner-up finish.

Why it matters

Longisa's strong performance at the NCAA Indoor Championships showcases the talent and potential of the Washington State track and field program. As a sophomore, Longisa has already established herself as one of the top milers in the country, setting the third-fastest mile time in NCAA women's history earlier this year.

The details

In the final race, Longisa ran a time of 4:40.21, just 0.15 seconds behind national champion Wilma Nielsen of Oregon. Longisa had the fastest time in the semifinals on Friday, posting a 4:28.09. Earlier this year, she set the third-fastest mile time in NCAA women's history with a 4:24.59 at the UW Invitational.

  • The NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships took place on Saturday, March 14, 2026 in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
  • Longisa posted the fastest time in the semifinals on Friday, March 13, 2026.

The players

Rosemary Longisa

A sophomore track and field athlete at Washington State University who finished second in the mile race at the 2026 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships.

Wilma Nielsen

The national champion in the mile race at the 2026 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships, representing the University of Oregon.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Longisa will look to build on her success at the NCAA Indoor Championships and compete for a national title in the outdoor season.

The takeaway

Rosemary Longisa's runner-up finish in the mile at the NCAA Indoor Championships demonstrates the rising talent within the Washington State track and field program, and the potential for the Cougars to continue making an impact on the national stage.