INDIANAPOLIS - This upcoming weekend, Marian track and field and cross country alum Katie Woods will compete in the 2026 FISU America Games, representing the United States track program in Lima, Peru. A multiple All-America honoree, Woods is the first Knight in the women's program to compete for the games while representing the United States. 

The FISU America Games are a multi-sport event sanctioned by the International University Sports Federation (FISU). Alternating with the Summer and Winter World University Games, which invite all the countries of the world for their biennial events, the FISU America Games are a regional multi-sport event similar to the Pan-American Games for FISU member-countries of North America (including those in Central America) and South America, held in even-numbered years.

UniUSA brings together the nation's most talented student-athletes in global, university-level competition organized by FISU, the governing body for university sport worldwide. With an impressive list of former UniUSA student-athletes going on to compete with distinction at Pan American and Olympic Games, as well as at the highest levels of professional sport, UniUSA provides a platform for future success. Participation selection and priority is given to individuals and teams that best represent the United States, both on and off the field.

Katie Woods, who graduated this spring as the most decorated distance runner in program history, will compete for Team UniUSA on Thursday in the 800m and Friday in the 1500m. Woods was the national champion this past year in the indoor mile and anchored Marian's national champion DMR team, while in the spring she closed out her career with All-America honors in the 4x800m relay and the 1500m. Woods closed her Marian accolades earlier this month by being named Second Team Academic All-America. 

Track and field is one of the 15 sports athletes competed in during the FISU America Games. Track and Field close the event this weekend, with the closing ceremonies set for Saturday, August 1. 

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