Riverside—The UC Riverside women's track and field team has a strong contingent of throwers. Breana Jemison has the top mark in the shot put heading into this weekend's Big West championships and Vesta Bell, coming off an NCAA Indoor national championship in the weight throw, is a strong contender for a Big West title in the hammer. Deja Watkins is the school record holder in the discus.

But none has had a life-changing season like Rachel Tice.

"It has been a little bit crazy," Tice said. "But with my past history in athletics and going through challenges, I've been able to overcome those."

Tice finished ninth in the hammer at last year's Big West championships and placed fifth in the shot put. The goal this season was to improve those marks and hopefully be a part of a team ready to challenge for a Big West title.

She was in Riverside and working out when her father Mark died of a heart attack in September. Tice had to reevaluate her priorities. She was on course to graduate this year and poised for a breakout season with the track and field team.

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