BOSTON, Mass. - Colorado State University Pueblo track and field star Helen Braybrook, a decorated All-American and two-time NCAA National Champion, added another historic milestone to her already extraordinary career on Monday. The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced Braybrook as the National Athlete of the Week, recognizing her record-breaking performance at the Boston University Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener.
Competing in the Elite Women's Mile Invitational, Braybrook lined up against a loaded, all–Division I field featuring talent from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC. The reigning NCAA Division II Indoor 800m National Champion and DMR National Champion not only held her own—she dominated.
Braybrook surged away from the nation's best and crossed the finish in a spectacular 4:30.03, shattering the NCAA Division II indoor mile record and winning the event outright. Her time stands as one of the greatest performances in Division II history and immediately placed her among the fastest collegiate milers in the country across all divisions.
Monday's honor marks yet another national accolade for the ThunderWolves standout, who continues to elevate CSU Pueblo's national profile with every performance.
Following the race, Braybrook credited her support network for fueling her historic run.
"Helen said, Coach Morris has really believed in me from day one. All week he kept telling me I was ready to do something special today, and having that trust behind me made all the difference when the race got tough. I also couldn't have done this without my teammates—especially Ricky Diaz, who has been pacing me in workouts these last few weeks and pushing me to a whole new level. This record isn't just mine. It belongs to all of us."
As she opens the 2025 indoor season with a national record and another national honor, Braybrook continues to cement herself as one of the most accomplished athletes in CSU Pueblo history. The ThunderWolves will return to action next weekend as the remainder of the squad heads to Adams State University in Alamosa, Colo., on Dec. 13.
For more information on CSU Pueblo Track & Field, visit gothunderwolves.com.
