Jennifer Sandoval, a graduate student-athlete at Azusa Pacific University and program record holder in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters, joins DyeStat editor Erik Boal after earning USTFCCCA Division 2 national female athlete of the week honors following her lifetime-best 32:58.39 effort April 17 in the 10,000 at the Bryan Clay Invitational at Cougar Stadium. Sandoval, who attended Summit High in Fontana, Calif., and competed for San Jose State, before transferring to Azusa Pacific to pursue a Master's Degree in Psychology, elevated to the No. 4 all-time 10,000 competitor in NCAA Division 2. She also ranks No. 20 in Division 2 history with her 16;01.41 performance April 3 at the Azusa Pacific Invitational. Sandoval revisits eclipsing the 33-minute barrier for the first time and how meaningful it was to be able to achieve the feat in front of teammates and family. She also reflects on becoming the first female athlete in program history to earn national athlete of the week recognition. Sandoval reveals the unfinished business she had after her final outdoor season at San Jose State was canceled as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, and the circumstances that led her to becoming a graduate student-athlete at Azusa Pacific. She examines the team culture for the Cougars, who ascended to the No. 1 ranking in Division 2 following their success at Bryan Clay, and how the group has been so supportive of each event in pursuit of a national title May 27-29 at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Allendale, Mich. Sandoval highlights the versatility of the Azusa Pacific roster, with her joining Mechaela Hyacinth, Jaylah Walker, Amanda Fassold and Chinenye Agina as the top-ranked athletes in the division in their respective events. She shares her excitement for competing against the elite athletes in Division 2 in both events at the national final, and her inspiration to contribute as many points as possible for the Cougars in their attempt to win the program's first Division 2 team title after capturing multiple NAIA Championships. Sandoval also explains her motivation for completing her Master's Degree and wanting her parents see her walk across the stage at graduation after experiencing a virtual ceremony in her living room to acknowledge her undergraduate degree from San Jose State and being the first in her family to achieve that goal.