Washington hires Sadie Van Arkel as distance assistant coach...

SEATTLE--The University of Washington announced Wednesday that Sadie Van Arkel (photo courtesy Northern Arizona University Athletics), who was at Northern Arizona University the last two seasons, has been hired as an assistant women's distance coach.

In a release distributed by the school, Washington director of track & field Maurica Powell said, "We're thrilled to welcome Sadie Van Arkel to the University of Washington." 

"Her ability to mentor, prepare, and connect with student-athletes will make an extraordinary difference to our track & field and cross country programs. We're grateful for the opportunity to provide the men and women on our team with a valuable resource who has immeasurable experience and talent."

The former Sadie Baker spent the last two season as an assistant distance coach for both the men's and women's teams at NAU. She was also the head of women's distance recruiting. Her coaching career began at Adams State, with six seasons at the perennial D-II powerhouse.

The Colorado Springs native said, "The opportunity to join the University of Washington felt like the right next step in my career." 

"The chance to work alongside Maurica Powell and the entire staff while contributing to one of the nation's premier women's distance programs is an incredible opportunity. I'm excited to help our student-athletes reach their full potential while continuing to grow as a coach, and I'm honored to be part of the Husky family."

Van Arkel, a three-time NCAA D2 participant in the 5000 and 10000 while an undergraduate at Adams State, earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from ASU in 2019, and her MBA in 2024, also at ASU.

The Washington release is available here.

Her Northern Arizona bio is available here.

NOTE: The sports information offices of the University of Washington, Northern Arizona University, and Adams State University contributed to this report.

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