UNM Sprinter Taniya Looney Overcomes Adversity to Compete at NCAA Championships

Taniya Looney, a junior sprinter at the University of New Mexico, recently realized her dreams are coming to fruition as she prepares to compete at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon, this week. For nearly two years, Looney kept a prayer board on her laptop, filled with aspirations like graduating with honors, pursuing a healthier lifestyle, and ultimately making it to the prestigious championships. “I was just staring at it — I was like, ‘Wow, I’m really about to go to Eugene,’” she reflected, acknowledging the significance of this moment.

Looney's journey has been marked by personal bests and resilience. She recently recorded a remarkable wind-aided time of 10.85 seconds in the 100 meters, placing her among the top competitors in the NCAA West Regional preliminary quarterfinals. With this achievement, she has become the first Lobo athlete to qualify for both the 100- and 200-meter events at the outdoor championships since Barbara Bell accomplished the feat in 1984.

Her path to success has not been easy. Looney’s love for track began in her childhood while watching events with her grandfather in Kansas City. After a standout high school career, she chose to compete at Pittsburg State University, where she initially thrived. However, persistent hip pain plagued her performance, and despite numerous medical evaluations, the source remained elusive.

It wasn't until October of her junior year that doctors discovered multiple ruptured ovarian cysts, which had been causing her pain. “Once I had surgery, they told me I wasn’t crazy,” Looney said, relieved to finally understand her struggle. Faced with the possibility of leaving the sport behind, she entered the transfer portal and eventually connected with UNM sprint coach Kyra Mohns.

Looney’s commitment to UNM has proven transformative. Since joining the team, she has dedicated herself to rigorous training while overcoming past injuries, leading to one of the best seasons for a UNM sprinter in years. Now, as she competes pain-free, Looney reflects on her journey and the fulfillment of her prayers. “Everything on the prayer board kinda happened — and not at the same time,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the blessings that emerge from challenges.