Alabama’s Doris Lemngole Makes History with The Bowerman Award Win

Alabama distance runner Doris Lemngole has won The Bowerman. She earned the honor on Thursday night in Texas. This award is the highest individual honor in collegiate track and field.

Lemngole is the first student-athlete from the University of Alabama to ever win it. Her victory marks a historic milestone for the Crimson Tide track program.

A Season of Dominance Leads to Prestigious Honor

The junior from Kenya topped a strong group of finalists. She beat Pamela Kosgei of New Mexico and Savannah Sutherland of Michigan. All three were their school’s first finalist for the award.

Lemngole’s 2025 season was exceptional. She won two national titles. She took first in the indoor 5,000-meter and the outdoor 3,000-meter steeplechase.

She was also the national runner-up in the indoor 3,000-meter event. Lemngole secured three SEC titles during the year. Her performance made her the obvious choice for the USTFCCCA National Women’s Athlete of the Year.

Record-Breaking Performances Define Legacy

Her season was defined by shattered records. Lemngole now holds two prestigious collegiate records. She set the record in the indoor 5,000-meter with a time of 14:52.57.

Her outdoor 3,000-meter steeplechase record is 8:58.15. These times are not just school records. They are the fastest ever run at the NCAA level.

This cements her status as one of the greatest collegiate distance runners. Her achievement brings immense pride to Alabama Athletics. According to the USTFCCCA, her season was one of the most decorated in recent memory.

Doris Lemngole’s victory in The Bowerman award ceremony is a landmark moment for Alabama. It highlights the rising profile of the Crimson Tide’s track and field program. Her record-shattering season will be remembered for years to come.

Thought you’d like to know

What is The Bowerman award?

The Bowerman is the highest honor given to the top male and female collegiate track & field athletes each year. It is often called the Heisman Trophy of the sport.

What records did Doris Lemngole break?

She set the collegiate record in the indoor 5,000-meter and the outdoor 3,000-meter steeplechase. Both records are now the fastest times in NCAA history.

Who were the other finalists?

The other women’s finalists were Pamela Kosgei from New Mexico and Savannah Sutherland from Michigan. All three finalists were the first from their respective universities.

How does this impact Alabama Athletics?

This is the first Bowerman win for any Alabama athlete. It significantly boosts the national reputation of the Crimson Tide’s track and field program.

What did Lemngole win during the season?

She won two NCAA national titles and three SEC championships. She was also named the National Women’s Athlete of the Year.