TEMPE, Ariz. — The Cal Poly Humboldt women's triathlon team once again proved its place among the nation's elite, finishing fifth out of 11 Division II programs at the 2025 Women's Collegiate Triathlon National Championships on Saturday, November 8. The Lumberjacks scored 492 points—matching their fifth-place finish from last season—as the fourth-year program continued to write its name into the sport's growing history books under head coach Kinsey Mattison.
Sophomore Averill Payne led the way for the Jacks with a 14th-place finish among Division II competitors, clocking a time of 1:09:31 to earn Second Team All-American honors and All-American recognition for the second consecutive year. Payne becomes a two-time All-American, continuing her rise as one of the nation's top Division II triathletes.
Right behind her was fellow sophomore Poppy Edge, who crossed the line in 1:10:55, finishing 19th in Division II to earn All-America Honorable Mention recognition. The pair became the second set of Lumberjack teammates to earn All-America honors in the same season, a testament to the team's steady development and depth. Last year, current assistant coach Natalie Mitchell (First-Team) and Averill Payne (Honorable Mention) marked the first duo in program history to earn All-American recognition.
The Lumberjacks' seven finishers combined to secure the fifth-place total, highlighted by strong pack finishes from juniors Anna Hanstveit and Emma Hanstveit, who placed 98th (1:13:18) and 104th (1:14:22) overall, respectively. Freshman Rylee Morris (128th, 1:17:45), sophomore Teagan Farrell (131st, 1:18:27), and junior Eve Wendley (132nd, 1:18:37) rounded out the Humboldt lineup, demonstrating the team's balanced mix of veteran and emerging talent.
Lenoir-Rhyne University claimed the Division II national title with 762 points, narrowly edging Wingate University (758). Drury University (650) and Colorado Mesa University (546) rounded out the top four ahead of Humboldt's 492.
The fifth-place finish marks another milestone for a Humboldt program that has rapidly ascended since its inception in 2022. With two All-Americans and another top-five national showing, the Jacks continue to cement their reputation as one of Division II's most exciting young programs.
Cal Poly Humboldt Team Results (Division II):
14. Averill Payne – 1:09:31 (Second Team All-American)
19. Poppy Edge – 1:10:55 (All-American Honorable Mention)
98. Anna Hanstveit – 1:13:18
104. Emma Hanstveit – 1:14:22
128. Rylee Morris – 1:17:45
131. Teagan Farrell – 1:18:27
132. Eve Wendley – 1:18:37
Team Finish: 5th of 11 (492 points)
About Cal Poly Humboldt Triathlon:
Launched in 2021, the Cal Poly Humboldt women's triathlon program has quickly become one of the premier emerging programs in Division II. Guided by head coach Kinsey Mattison, the Lumberjacks have produced multiple All-Americans and back-to-back top-five national team finishes in just four seasons of competition.
For more information on Cal Poly Humboldt women's triathlon, visit humboldtathletics.com, download our mobile app on Apple iOS or Google Android, and follow the Lumberjacks on Instagram, Twitter/X, and Facebook.
Instagram: @humboldt.athletics
Twitter/X: @HumboldtJacks
Facebook: Cal Poly Humboldt Lumberjacks
