Mckyla Van der Westhuizen, a standout on the Rice women's track and field team, concludes her remarkable college career marked by unconventional approaches and significant achievements. Hailing from Gauteng, South Africa, her time at Rice has seen her dominate in javelin throwing, earning All-American honors and multiple conference titles. Under the guidance of coach Brek Christensen, she has not only excelled athletically but has also developed personally, embracing her journey with joy and gratitude.

By the Numbers
  • All-Conference honors every year, winning three consecutive American Conference javelin titles.
  • Achieved First Team All-American status, finishing third at the NCAA Championships in 2024.
State of Play
  • Van der Westhuizen contributed significantly to the Owls' American Conference Championship victory this season.
  • Her javelin group scored 21 points at the conference meet, finishing 1-2-6.
What's Next

As she heads into her final meet at the NCAA Championships, Van der Westhuizen aims to cap off her career on a high note, fully embracing each throw. Future endeavors may see her either continuing in athletics or exploring professional avenues influenced by her Rice experience.

Bottom Line

Van der Westhuizen’s unique approach and relentless work ethic at Rice exemplify the spirit of resilience and joy in athletics. Her journey underscores the importance of passion and support in achieving greatness, leaving an inspiring legacy for future competitors.