Adaejah T. Hodge has become the first athlete from the Virgin Islands (VI) to be named on the Bowerman’s Women Watch List. Photo: Facebook

Adaejah T. Hodge is the first Virgin Islands' athlete to capture the NCAA National Indoor Championship. Photo: Internet Source/File

She was added to the 2026 list as part of five changes stemming from the release of Update #3 on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, by the US Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (TSTFCCCA).

The 2026 Bowerman Watch List highlights the top NCAA track and field athletes competing for the sport’s most prestigious individual award, the Bowerman Award.

The Bowerman Award

The Bowerman Award, often called the "Heisman of collegiate track and field," is presented annually by the US Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) to the most outstanding male and female athletes in NCAA track and field. Named after legendary Oregon coach Bill Bowerman, the award recognises exceptional performances across all events, including sprints, distance, jumps, throws, and multi-events.

“Hodge, who hails from Douglasville, Georgia, by way of the British Virgin Islands, won the 200 meters at the NCAA DI Indoor Championships, completing an undefeated season in the event while moving to No. 4 all-time collegiately at 22.22. She added a runner-up finish in the 60 after a PR 7.12 in the prelims,” the Bowerman Presentation said in an article on runnerspace.com. 

Hodge is the 14th athlete from her school, Georgia University, to appear on the Women’s Watch List. 

A great 2026 for Hodge so far 

Hodge has continued her impressive 2026, recently winning the Women’s 200m with a personal best of 22.22 seconds at the Randal Tyson Track Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on March 14, 2026. 

With this win, she tied for #4 in NCCA history, winning by three-tenths of a second and setting a new World Lead, Facility Record and National Record. 

Hodge is also the first VI athlete to capture the NCAA National Indoor Championship.