BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Carleton College senior Hannah Preisser earned second team All-American honors on Friday when she finished 15th in the 5,000-meter run (17:10.49) at the 2026 NCAA Division III Indoor Track & Field Championships. 

The finish is Preisser's first second team distinction and the fifth of her illustrious distance running career.  The Chapel Hill, N.C., native finished eighth in the 5,000-meter at last year's Indoor Championships, and has also collected three All America finishes in cross country. 

"When looking at the results of a race, one only sees the time that an athlete crossed the line," stated Head Coach Donna Ricks.  "It isn't a full reflection of the commitment and the journey.  The journey that Hannah took this season wasn't the usual path academically, or athletically.  For a number of reasons, she wasn't able to compete as often as any of us would like, yet she maintained the training and the determination to make it back to the national championships this season."

Friday's race saw Priesser get off the line to avoid congestion through the first 600 meters, then settle into a position that would allow her to successfully implement her race plan.  The first 3000 meters of the race Preisser raced in 20th position, a pace in a strong field that would allow her to maneuver her positioning in the last 2000 meters.

From there, she climbed one position over five of the final six laps to place inside the top 16 and earn the second team All American finish.  Preisser finished seven seconds ahead of Adriana Catalano of Johns Hopkins to close the book on her indoor career. 

"The caliber of DIII athletes these days is astonishing," finished Ricks.  "To qualify for the National Championships speaks volumes to their dedication and athleticism. 
Hannah is accustomed to racing out front, and going into the race as the 19th seed required a strong mentality to race from the back, stay engaged, and sustain focus. She stayed strong and believed that she could make some moves while managing the pace and strategy that was best for her.  To make that shift required a different mindset and confidence in herself.  Hannah did a great job.  She demonstrated that it is possible to do the hard things and with it comes a great deal of pride in knowing she gave her best!" 

Hannah Preisser's performances at NCAA Championships
Cross Country
2022 -- 15th place (All-America)
2023 -- 14th place (All-America)
2024 -- 7th place (All-America)
2025 -- 119th place
Indoor Track & Field
2023 -- 5,000m – 15th place
2025 -- 5,000m – 8th place (All-America)
2026 -- 5,000m – 15th place (All-America 2nd Team)
Outdoor Track & Field
2023 -- 10,000m – 17th place
2024 -- 10,000m – 17th place