Essence Slate, a junior at Mount Olive, has made history in nearly every meet this year.

The outdoor season has been no different.

In just three meets, the Lathrop High grad has lowered her lifetime best and program record in the 400 twice, netted two wins, two runner-up finishes, attained a pair of NCAA provisional times and was twice named Conference Carolinas Athlete of the Week.

Slate recently flashed 55.19 at the Alan Connie Shamrock Invitational, resetting her own outdoor program record (55.21) to go with her indoor record (55.25). The time also ranks No. 7 in Alaska history, as Slate is currently the fastest quarter-miler north of Denali and sits 19th in NCAA Div. II this season.

The long-jumper-turned-sprinter also flexed her speed in the 200, placing runner-up at the 9th Annual Adidas Trojan Challenge in a wind-aided 24.07, as the Trojans went 1-2-3-4. Slate’s time ranks fifth in program history, fourth on the Alaska all-conditions list and 19th in NCAA Div. II this season.

Slate also ran a leg on the Trojans’ winning 4×100 relay that sped to 46.56.

Alaska Women’s All-Time 200m (all-conditions)

Passion Richardson, 23.21 (4/00)
Hailey Williams, 23.95 (4/24)
Janay DeLoach, 24.05 (4/17)
Essence Slate, 24.07 (3/26)
Janelle Billingslea, 24.42 (2/00)
Vanessa Aniteye, 24.53 (7/22)
Tanner Ealum, 24.72 (4/17)
Mary Pearce, 24.82 (4/07)
Brooklynn Gould, 24.84 (5/25)
Olivia Manley, 24.89 (2/23)