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Illinois Freshman Melissa Wullschleger Finishes Top 10 at NCAA Championships

Wullschleger, who was named an All-American, had an excellent showing at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships

Pranav Hegde

MIKE COPPER/ERIE TIMES-NEWS / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Heptathlete Melissa Wullschleger capped a stellar freshman season in record-breaking fashion for the Illinois women’s track and field team at the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Championships. Competing in the javelin portion of the heptathlon, Wullschleger delivered a standout throw of 44.20 meters (145-0), setting a new Illinois school record and earning a top-10 finish in the event.

The throw helped lift her to a fourth-place finish in the heptathlon overall and led to her school-record points total. It was a defining moment in an already impressive All-American campaign for the Switzerland native, who has emerged as one of the most promising young athletes in the program.

Wullschleger’s throw not only marked a personal best but also showcased the power and poise she has developed throughout the year. She becomes one of the few freshmen in Illinois history to post a top-10 finish in a championship event, and her record-setting throw adds to a growing list of accomplishments that have nudged Illini track and field into the national spotlight. With continued development, Wullschleger is poised to be a major factor in NCAA competition in the years to come.

As the offseason begins, Wullschleger’s rise adds momentum to a program already gaining traction. Her performance not only reflects her individual growth but also strengthens Illinois’ recruiting pitch and championship aspirations moving forward.

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Pranav Hegde
PRANAV HEGDE

Primarily covers Illinois football, basketball and golf, with an emphasis on news, analysis and features. Hegde, an electrical engineering student at Illinois with an affinity for sports writing, has been writing for On SI since April 2025. He can be followed and reached on Instagram @pranavhegde__.

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