REDDING, Calif. - Simpson University names Elena Bruckner the Track and Field Assistant Coach and the Eligibility and Compliance Coordinator. 

Bruckner, enters her third year as a Red Hawk as she spent the last two years as a graduate assistant coach for the Track and Field team. 

Since arriving at Simpson, Bruckner has played an instrumental role in the growth and development of the Red Hawks track & field program, particularly within the throws group. Under her leadership, the throws squad has grown from just four student-athletes to a thriving group of 15 competitors, creating one of the program's most successful and rapidly expanding event areas.

She spearheaded a fundraising campaign that raised more than $15,000 toward the construction of a dedicated throws facility on Simpson University's campus. The project represents a significant investment in the future of the program and will provide current and future student-athletes with enhanced training opportunities for years to come.

On the competition side, Bruckner's athletes have continued to achieve remarkable success. Her throwers have consistently produced personal-best performances and delivered standout results on the conference stage. Most notably, sophomore thrower Isabella Oliver earned GSAC Women's Field Athlete of the Meet honors after capturing conference championships in the shot put, discus, and hammer throw while setting a new school record in the discus.

Outside of her duties, Bruckner, the two-time All-American at The University of Texas, continues to strive for her dream of qualifying for the Olympic Games, as she has finished twice in the Top 8 at the World U20 Championships and once in the Top 8 of the Pan American Games. 

Director of Athletics, Rob Harley, "Elena, is an outstanding addition to our Track & Field program for the past two years, will now assume a more significant role in the athletic department as the compliance coordinator. I am delighted to see her take on this expanded responsibility."

Coach Bruckner will begin her duties immediately as the Red Hawks gear up for the 2026-27 school year. 
 

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