Williams, ASU triathlon will host 2017 national championships

If Anchorage’s Kendal Williams qualifies for the Triathlon Collegiate National Championship in the fall, she’ll have a home-course advantage.

That’s because Arizona State University has been awarded the bid to host the new college sport’s biggest meet of the season, Nov. 5 in Tempe, Arizona.

Williams, of Dimond High fame, is a freshman at ASU.

ASU adopted the NCAA emerging sport of triathlon in 2015 and in its first season of competition under head coach Cliff English won the 2016 national championship.

ASU was among eight schools to receive funding from USA Triathlon to help get off the ground.

Now the Sun Devils look to set the standard.

Williams looks to be a part of the movement as a member of the Sun Devils.

As a freshman, she placed 22nd at the East Regional qualifier in Greensboro, North Carolina. She also finished fifth in age group at USA Triathlon Draft Legal World qualifier in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Williams brings a strong swim and bike background to the team as well of many years of triathlon competition experience.

She is majoring in Earth and Environmental Studies.