Delaware's Iyevbele Promoted to Cross Country and Track & Field Head Coach
NEWARK, Del. (Sept. 15, 2022) - The University of Delaware announced the promotion of Kenyetta Iyevbele to head coach of its cross country and track and field program following the decision of Ryan Waite to step down from his role after accepting an assistant coaching position at his alma mater BYU. The decision was announced Thursday evening by Delaware Director of Athletics Chrissi Rawak.
Iyevbele will serve as head cross country and track and field coach. Iyevbele is in her second season with the Blue Hens, where she has worked with the sprints and distance runners. During her first season, Iyevbele helped coach the 2021-22 track & field team to a second-place finish at the CAA Outdoor Championships with Albamonti capturing most Outstanding Field Athlete. Albamonti and Weir were able to secure spots in the NCAA East Preliminaries competing in the javelin and 10,000 meters, respectively, to round out the Blue Hens impressive campaign.
"I am beyond thrilled to be given this opportunity to lead the cross country and track and field programs," said Iyevbele. "I would like to thank the athletic administration for trusting me to continue the momentum of last year's success. Coach Waite led both programs to new heights and historical team achievements, which we are looking forward to continuing through the current and upcoming seasons and he will certainly be missed. It is with great pleasure that I appoint Coach
Melanie Heslop as our Associate Head Track and Field Coach, as she will continue to play a major role in the team's growth and development. We are Blue Hen Built and will continue striving for greatness."
Iyevbele arrived in Newark after assisting her alma mater, North Carolina State University for two seasons as a volunteer assistant coach, where she worked alongside United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) National Women's Cross Country Coach of the Year, Laurie Henes. Iyevbele helped Henes guide the 2021 women's cross country squad to its first-ever NCAA Championship, along with being crowned NCAA Southeast Regional and ACC Champions while the track & field team placed fifth at the ACC Championships.
Heslop is in her second season on the Delaware staff coaching the throwers and has played an integral part in the continued development of two-time CAA javelin champion Albamonti. Albamonti has set several personal and program records since her arrival and has advanced to the NCAA East Preliminaries.