RICHMOND, Va. (August 12, 2026) – Hampton University track and field distance standout
Peninah Mutisya was announced on Wednesday as the 2026 John H. Randolph Inspiration Award recipient by the CAA.
The award recognizes individuals who through strength of character and human spirit serve as an inspiration to all to maximize their potential and ability for success. It is named after former William & Mary athletic director John Randolph, who lost a courageous battle with cancer in 1995.
Mutisya, a rising junior from Kitui, Kenya, quickly laid claim as one of the top distance runners in the CAA once she stepped on campus. She was recognized as the CAA women's cross country Rookie of the Year in 2024 following a second-place finish at the CAA Championship (20:23.6). Mutisya posted three individual victories during her freshman cross country campaign and was the league's top finisher at the NCAA Southeast Regional, placing 27
th (21:20.6). She was later honored as the 2025 CAA women's indoor track and field Rookie of the Year after helping the Pirates capture their first team championship in Virginia Beach. Mutisya broke a league record in winning the 3,000 meters (9:16.47) and set a program mark in claiming gold in the 5,000 meters (15:45.87).
Her impressive rookie season came to a heartbreaking end at the CAA women's outdoor track & field championship on May 15, 2025. After winning the 10,000-meter run (34:36.35) on the first day of competition, she was in the final stretch of taking the top spot in the 5,000 meters on the second day when her femur snapped. The leg injury was so severe that amputation was considered, and her recovery kept her off the track for more than eight months.
Following a serious rehabilitation process, Mutisya made it back to the track during the 2026 outdoor track and field season. Picking up where she left off, Mutisya posted a first-place finish in the 1,500 meters (4:23.83) and a fourth place in the 10,000 meters (35:28.30) at the CAA Championship.
Along with her success on the track, Mutisya made the Hampton University Dean's List and was a member of the CAA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll.
PAST RANDOLPH AWARD RECIPIENTS
| 2026 |
Peniniah Mutisya |
Hampton |
| 2025 |
Bobby Dwyer |
William & Mary |
| 2024 |
Anthony Pecorella |
Stony Brook |
| 2023 |
Madison Bednarik |
Monmouth |
| |
Cindy Lewis |
Hofstra |
| 2022 |
Cara Scanio |
Hofstra |
| 2021 |
Mark Faello |
Hofstra |
| |
Tom Kuster |
James Madison |
