There was no taking the smile off Hannah Connell's face after her most recent blazing run in the 60-meter hurdles.
Connell, a sophomore for the Iowa Central track and field program, set a new school record in the event at the Region VI/KJCCC Invitational, crossing the finish line in 8.42.
That broke the mark of Danielle Riggins, which was set in 2016 at 8.43. Riggins would go on that year to claim NJCAA gold in the event.
"When I crossed the finish line and I saw my time, I was elated," Connell said. "(Breaking the record) was one of my main goals to accomplish before I graduate from Iowa Central this year."
It has been a perfect start to the indoor season for Connell, capturing first-place finishes in all seven races she has had between prelims and finals. She also won the 60-meter dash at the Jack Jennett Invitational and was on the 4x400-meter relay, and the 60 hurdles at the Coffeyville Winter Invitational along with the 200-meter dash.
"The prep for this season has been great," Connell said. "I've been putting in the necessary work at every practice despite some challenges. I made sure I worked extra hard.
"My focus has been fixed on winning nationals and breaking the school record."
At the NJCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships last year, Connell was the runner-up in the 60 hurdles in 8.52. She also finished eighth in the 60 and was part of the fourth-place 4x400 relay quartet.
"Hannah has worked very hard and is a very goal-oriented person," said Justin Anderson, an assistant coach for Iowa Central who works with sprinters and hurdlers. "She has put in the work to improve herself and possibly be a national champion."
Later this year, she will look to defend her Region XI titles in both 60-meter events, as she was also on the winning 4x400 relay.
"Along with all the hard work I could not do this without believing in myself and trusting in God," Connell said.
The native of St. Michael, Barbados has committed to continue her education and career at the University of South Florida.
-By Dana Becker