WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Atlantic 10 Conference has named Dayton freshman sprinter Simone Bessong to its All-Rookie Team and junior sprinter Grace Felts to the All-Academic Team for the 2026 Outdoor Track & Field season. Both athletes were part of the 4x400m relay team that captured gold at the A-10 Outdoor Championships and helped the Flyers secure their first-ever outdoor team title. 

Earlier this month, Bessong was named the conference's Most Outstanding Rookie Performer after earning four medals at the A-10 Outdoor Championships.  The Florence, Kentucky native was runner-up in both the the 200m (24.26) and 4x100m relay, while also claiming bronze in the 100m (11.80). The freshman posted the fastest 200m time by an A-10 rookie this season when she ran 24.04 at the Tennessee Invite. It was a historic year for Bessong, who added outdoor honors after earning All-Rookie Team recognition during the indoor season.  

Felts was selected to the All-Academic Team. The junior is a Communication major with a 3.85 GPA and was also a member of the gold medal-winning 4x400 relay team.  The Indianapolis, Indiana, native recorded a PR in the 400m hurdles at the A-10 Outdoor Championships.

 To view the complete Atlantic 10 All-Academic and All-Rookie Teams, click the link above. The Flyers return to action Saturday, when Camryn Thompson will compete in the high jump at the NCAA East First Round in Lexington, Kentucky.