HAMPTON, Va. (July 17, 2025) … Hampton University women's track and field standouts Rochele Solmon and Damali Williams will get to close out the summer with some international competition representing their native Jamaica at the Pan Am Games.

Both earned spots in the discus with the Jamaican National team by their performances at the Jamaican National Trials from June 26-29. This marks the second time for Williams to make the Jamaican U23 National Team, while it's the first for Solmon.

"I am extremely proud of Rochele and Damali for making the U23 Jamaican National team and going to represent Hampton on the international stage," said their throws coach Hampton University Assistant Coach Eric Smalls. "Damali and Rochele have worked hard all season to be chosen for this team, so this is a big achievement for them to represent their country at The Pan American Games."

The duo will compete at the Pan Am games will take place from August 9-23 in Asuncion, Paraguay.  The track and field portion runs from August 18-22.

"We have always had a history of having our athletes competing in international competitions," said Hampton University Head Coach Maurice Pierce. "Rochele and Damali will continue our presence while representing Jamaica. This is big for the university and our track and field program."

They represented Hampton at the NCAA East Regionals in late May in the discus. Williams threw 48.82 meters (160-2) on her second of three throws in the third of four flights to finish 26th. Solmon unleashed a throw of 47.69 meters (156-5) also on her second throw in the first flight to finish 35th.

Williams and Solmon finished second and third respectively, at the CAA Outdoor Championships in the discus to help lead Hampton to a second place showing.