Augustana University Athletics

From launch to landing, Debby Volkers is the best female high jumper in Augustana history.

The high flier from Primghar, Iowa, pushed the school record to new heights from the moment she arrived on campus. As a sophomore, she joined the elite NCAA Division II jumpers with consecutive wins at the University of South Dakota Open, the Bill Hillerbrand Invitational, and the Flagstaff Invitational hosted by Northern Arizona University.

On March 7, 1997, she wrote a new chapter in school track history by clearing 5-10" at the NCAA Division II indoor track championships to become the Vikings' first female track athlete to win an event at the national level. She was named the North Central Conference female track athlete of the week after setting school, meet, and South Dakota collegiate records with a winning jump of 6-feet, 1/2 inch at the HowardWood Dakota Relays. It was one of her most memorable competitions.

"The crowd was so supportive and intent on me jumping," she says."I could feel the energy and I had the best jump of my life."

She was a two-time NCAA indoor champion and the outdoor champion in 1997. She also claimed NCC indoor and outdoor championships. She was ranked second nationally in 1996 and first in 1997. She was named an NCC Honor Athlete (1999), and South Dakota College Female Athlete of the Year (1997).