Northwest Wayne News

The Wayne State University women's track and field team has announced the addition of five new athletes for the 2025-26 academic year. The announcement was made by head coach Grant Lofdahl, who is entering his ninth year leading the program.

The newcomers include Ella Hufnagel from Fowler, Michigan; Audrey Huizinga from Manistee, Michigan; Marissa Madia from Belle River, Ontario; Ella Showerman from South Lyon, Michigan; and Sophie Smith from Dearborn, Michigan.

Ella Hufnagel, a freshman specializing in sprints and jumps, graduated from Fowler High School where she earned 16 All-Central Michigan Athletic Conference honors and 14 All-State accolades. She helped her team win a second consecutive state title and took first place in the long jump at the 2025 Division 4 state meet. Associate Head Coach Nate Miller said, "Ella Hufnagel joined the team after a tremendous senior season. She suffered a few injuries her junior year but after watching her compete we knew she could be a big help to our program. Ella competed in the 100m, 200m, 400m, and the Long Jump at the State Championships and was All-State in each event. Highlighting the day was a personal record, and claiming first place, in the Long Jump. Ella and her team went on to win the state meet. She does a great job at learning new skills and will be training as a Multi (Pentathlon/Heptathlon) for the 2026 seasons (indoor and outdoor)."

Audrey Huizinga is also joining as a freshman sprinter. She set Manistee High School's 400m record and was a four-year all-state performer. Miller commented, "Audrey Huizinga is a great fit for our team and the culture we have created here. Audrey will train as a 400m specialist but will also be a great asset for the 4x1 and 4x4 relays. She had a tremendous senior season being named All-State in the 200m, 400m, and 4x4. Audrey has shown us to be a tremendous athlete, and we are very much looking forward to Audrey helping our team improve as she develops into a great sprinter."

Marissa Madia comes from Belle River District High School in Ontario and is expected to compete in sprints. She set school records in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay, and competed at provincial and national championships. Miller stated, "Marissa Madia was recruited early in her high school career, and we are delighted that she chose to be in our program. After many conversations with her coaches and having her on campus it was clear that Wayne State and Detroit would be a great fit for her and the team. Marissa competed later into the summer at the Ontario and Canadian Track & Field Championships. Marissa will specialize in the 100m, 200m, and 4x1 relay and we look forward to her being an asset in all three events."

Ella Showerman is transferring from Michigan State University, where she competed in cross country and various track events for the MSU Club Team. Coach Lofdahl said, "Ella was a very late, but welcome, addition to the cross country and distance squad. She has a lot of athleticism and raw potential, which we've already seen in cross country and anticipate will translate well to the 3K, 5K, and steeplechase on the track as well."

Sophie Smith is joining as a freshman hurdler and jumper from Trenton High School. She qualified for state meets in both the 100m and 300m hurdles and was named All-State. Miller added, "The final athlete to be added to the roster for the Sprinters, Jumpers, and Hurdlers is Sophie Smith and she has been a great addition. Sophie came to our attention late in the recruiting cycle, but after meeting with her and seeing her compete we are very happy to add her to the hurdles crew. Sophie stood out in her senior season qualifying in both the 100m and 300m Hurdles at the state meet. She ran a personal best in the 100m Hurdle Finals and was named All-State. In the short time that Sophie has been here she has shown a strong desire to improve in the 100m and 400m Hurdles. We are looking forward to seeing her compete in the upcoming season."

With these additions, Wayne State aims to strengthen its women's track and field roster for the upcoming season.