Rice University Athletics
Van der Westhuizen Named CSC Academic All-America First Team
7/15/2026 1:52:00 PM | Women's Track & Field
HOUSTON – Rice women's track and field athlete Mckyla Van der Westhuizen added one more honor to her stellar career after being named a CSC Academic All-America First Team, the organization announced Wednesday morning.
"Once again, McKyla shows why she is one of the best to ever come out of the women's track and field program," said Rice head coach Andrea Blackett. "She is not only in a class by herself on the field but also in the classroom. This honor truly demonstrates what a remarkable young woman she is. We are so proud to have had her here with us and proud of the way Coach Brek Christensen inspired her and developed her amazing talent."
Van der Westhuizen graduated this year with a degree in Sports Medicine and Exercise Physiology, finishing with a 3.75 GPA. During the 2024 season, Van der Westhuizen was named a CSC Academic All-America Second Team. She is also a three-time USTFCCCA All-Academic and an American Conference Scholar Athlete of the Year.
Van der Westhuizen became the first national champion in 24 years for Rice women's track and field, following a school record throw of 60.87m to jump into first place on the final round of throws. She finished her career with a third consecutive First Team All-American honor and fourth honor overall.
She won the American Conference javelin crown for the third consecutive season, helping lead the team to its first American Championship. In 2025, Van der Westhuizen won the Joyce Pounds Hardy Award.
"Once again, McKyla shows why she is one of the best to ever come out of the women's track and field program," said Rice head coach Andrea Blackett. "She is not only in a class by herself on the field but also in the classroom. This honor truly demonstrates what a remarkable young woman she is. We are so proud to have had her here with us and proud of the way Coach Brek Christensen inspired her and developed her amazing talent."
Van der Westhuizen graduated this year with a degree in Sports Medicine and Exercise Physiology, finishing with a 3.75 GPA. During the 2024 season, Van der Westhuizen was named a CSC Academic All-America Second Team. She is also a three-time USTFCCCA All-Academic and an American Conference Scholar Athlete of the Year.
Van der Westhuizen became the first national champion in 24 years for Rice women's track and field, following a school record throw of 60.87m to jump into first place on the final round of throws. She finished her career with a third consecutive First Team All-American honor and fourth honor overall.
She won the American Conference javelin crown for the third consecutive season, helping lead the team to its first American Championship. In 2025, Van der Westhuizen won the Joyce Pounds Hardy Award.
Players Mentioned
Javelin
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