PRINCETON, N.J. - Former Carson-Newman track & field star Sam Gudger was named the Director of Track & Field Operations for the Princeton University track & field team on Tuesday, Aug. 3.

Gudger was previously the Director of Track & Field Operations for Carson-Newman University. During her time in Jefferson City, Gudger not only assisted in the day-to-day operations of the Carson-Newman track & field team, but also assisted in coaching the Eagle jumps group. Her athletes include Nathalie Schumacher, who at one point held the highest jump in the high jump in all of Division II during the 2021 outdoor track season and won three event championships during the 2021 indoor season.

As an athlete, Gudger excelled during her time in Mossy Creek, competing in the high jump and the long jump. Gudger was a four-time USTFCCCA Southeast All-Region athlete and won the SAC women's outdoor long jump championship at the 2018 conference championships with a jump of 5.70 meters. Gudger currently holds three individual school records in the 60 meter hurdles, the 100 meter hurdles, and the long jump and is a member of the school record women's 4x400 meter relay team. Gudger was also named a USTFCCCA Academic All-American, earning her bachelors degree in elementary education and a Masters degree in education. 

Gudger will help guide a Princeton Tiger track & field squad that saw the men's team win the Ivy League indoor track & field championship in the 2020 season and a women's team produce a second-team All-American discus thrower. Eighteen total former Princeton Tigers are currently competing at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.