EMPORIA, Kan. – Three Wildcats closed out the 2026 season in impressive fashion Saturday, as Iresh Molina, Della Molina and Paulina Martins each earned All-American honors in the 5,000 meters at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

The trio capped a memorable championship weekend for Chico State after Iresh and Della Molina both earned First Team All-American honors Thursday in the 10,000 meters.

Iresh Molina led the Wildcats with a sixth-place finish, crossing the line in 16:34.95 to secure another First Team All-American performance. The Chico native surged late in the race, moving up 11 spots over the final 1,200 meters after sitting 18th through 3,400 meters.

Freshman Paulina Martins delivered a standout performance in her NCAA Championships debut, finishing ninth in 16:39.52 to earn Second Team All-American honors. Martins stayed patient near the back of the field before making a dramatic late-race move, climbing 11 positions over the final 1,600 meters to break into the top 10.

Della Molina rounded out the Wildcats' All-American performances with an 11th-place finish in 16:40.09, also earning Second Team All-American recognition. Like her teammates, Molina relied on a strong closing stretch, moving from 19th into All-American position during the final four laps.

On Thursday, Megan Malloy earned Second Team All-American honors alongside the Molina sisters in the 10,000m, capping off an incredible season with her first chance on the national stage. 

Chico State concludes the 2026 outdoor season with multiple All-American performances and another strong showing on the national stage.