May 25, 2002 - Grand Valley State earned an 11th place finish in the women's competition of the 2002 NCAA Division II Outdoor National Championships in San Angelo, Texas with a total of 28 points. The championship was highlighted by freshman Mandi Long who claimed Grand Valley State's first-ever women's track & field national championship as she won the 1,500 meters with a time of 4:28.53. Mandi advanced to the final by posting the fastest qualifying time in the two preliminary heats. Overall, the Lakers posted five All-American performances on the women's side, while two Laker men earned All-American plaudits.

Lindsey Mills also earned All-American plaudits on Saturday with a seventh place finish in the 5,000 meters in a time of 17:43.71. It was the second event Mills had scored in as she also finished seventh in the 3,000 on Friday. There were several other Lakers who competed on Saturday. Shannon Antvelink also ran in the 1,500 meter final and finished 12th, while Icis Charles ran in the 100 meter final and finished in eighth.

Day two was highlighted by two All-American performances in the women's 3,000 meters with freshman Natalie Ewing finishing in second place (10:04.94) and Lindsey Mills (10:11.28) turning in a seventh place finish. Icis Charles finished third in her heat in the 200 meters (24.16) but did not advance to the finals.

Grand Valley State turned in a strong first day at the 2002 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Angelo, Tex. Jenna Shook earned All-American honors with a fourth-place finish (177-7) in the women's hammer throw. Icis Charles moved into the final of 100m dash with the fastest time of the day in heat one (11.47).