Phantoms Track & Field 2026 Season Preview

(Delaware and Chester Counties, PA)—The Phantoms are back in action and set for another strong outdoor track and field season with third-year Head Coach Cara Fordenbacher, second-year Assistant Coach Elisa Ford, and new Volunteer Assistant Coach Chris Coates. The Delaware County Community College program is coming off a historic 2025—including a Penn Relays appearance, setting numerous school records, and earning regional and national accolades—that culminated in finalist status and All-American performances by six student-athletes at the NJCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Running it back this season are five sophomores. In 2025, Fatumata Kaba (Academy Park HS) placed second in the triple jump and third in the women's long jump at Nationals as well as being named USTFCCCA Central Region Field Athlete of the Year. Kaba is looking to return to championship competition this year, improve upon her performances, and cement her place in the DCCC record book.

Natalie Torres (Ridley HS) also returns to compete in the javelin throw and the 100m dash. She put in hard work over the summer and looks strong, poised to improve greatly in her events this season, according to Fordenbacher.

Men's competitors Daniel McLaughlin (Strath Haven HS), Jimmy Love (Ridley HS), and Daishon Billops (Imhotep Charter High School) are back after medaling at Nationals in 2025. Each hopes for a return to compete in their established events, with plans to add a few more to their repertoire, spanning sprints, hurdles, and jumps.

"I am excited to see what Jimmy and Daishon can do in the jumps this season," said Fordenbacher. "They are the first true jumpers on the men's side."

McLaughlin has been named team captain this year, honoring his talent, leadership, and dedication. "I am eager to see our team's successes," he said. "We have been able to consistently maintain practices through adversity—in the snow, rain, and heat—and I'm excited to see what we are capable of this season."

New to the women's team this year is Cheyenne McCarthy (Marple Newtown HS), a transfer from Moravian University. A first-year Phantom in her sophomore year of eligibility, McCarthy was selected as a first-year co-captain, showing notable dedication and leadership even as a new team member. She will be the first mid-distance/distance athlete for the women's side in program history and Fordenbacher looks forward to seeing what she can do in the longer events. "I enjoy being on the track team and working together towards a goal and I'm excited for the season ahead," McCarthy said.

DCCC welcomes a slew of throwing talent to the men's team. Freshmen Nathan Jeffers (Upper Darby HS), Mason Falk (Springfield HS), and Noah Gallagher (Sun Valley HS) will all represent the Phantoms across throws: shot put, discus, and javelin. The Phantoms have not had a male thrower compete since the 2024 season.

Nate Jeffers was named a first-year co-captain for the season, bringing enthusiastic energy and willingness to learn as a foundation for leadership and Phantom pride. "I love being a DCCC Phantom and the coaches and teammates are awesome," Jeffers enthused. "Any time we're at practice, we always push ourselves to be better. I strongly believe we can be great this season and I can't wait for meets to start!"

Rounding out DCCC's new athletes is Kheimon Reginald Speach Jr. (Upper Darby HS). Speach will be competing as a mid-distance athlete, looking to make his mark in the 800m and 1500m primarily.

Coach Coates comes aboard with focus on mid-distance/distance athletes. "I am very excited to join the coaching staff," said Coates, a former cross-country and track athlete at Kutztown University. "DCCC track and field has a long history of student-athletes excelling in the classroom and representing the school on a national level."

"This year we have two distance athletes who are committed to the sport and have been working hard to get to the next level," he continued. "I can't wait to see what the team accomplishes this season!"

Coach Fordenbacher and Coach Ford were also well-decorated in 2025. Fordenbacher was honored as DCCC Coach of the Year while Ford '12 was the 2024-2025 recipient of the Wong Moss Alumni Award and spoke at DCCC's 2025 Commencement. "Champions are not made in a gym or field," said Ford. "They are made from something they have deep inside of them like a desire, a dream, or a vision."

Looking ahead, Fordenbacher expects impactful performances roster-wide. "We have five returners this season bringing experience competing at the highest level and this experience will be the backbone for the athletes this season to return to the national stage," she said. "We know our whole roster has the ability to qualify in their respective events and hope to make an even bigger impact this season. I am thrilled to have Danny, Jimmy, Daishon, Fatu and Natalie back this season and can't wait to see what they can do this season as they complete their time as Phantoms."

I am also excited to have such a strong group of throwers this season," Fordenbacher added. "Overall, this is shaping up to be another historic season for our Phantoms!"

The Phantoms open the season on Saturday, March 21 at the Purple and Gold Open hosted by West Chester University. Field events begin at 10am and track events start at 11am.