Brandeis University

WALTHAM, Mass. -- First-year Ashley Korbul of Staten Island, New York, and senior Garret Rieden of Littleton, Massachusetts, members of the women’s and men’s track and field teams, have been named the Brandeis University Athletes of the Week for the week ending March 1. The Brandeis Athlete of the Week program is presented by The Chateau Restaurant and Jake n JOES Sports Grille.

Korbul won the title in the high jump at the 2026 University Athletic Association Track and Field Championships, hosted in their home venue of the Gosman Athletic Center. Korbul won the eventy with a personal-best height of 1.65 meters (5-5). She converted on her second attempt at that height to defeat Chicago's Libby Mulvaney. The height was just two centimeters of Brandeis' school record of 1.67 meters and ranks 23rd on the NCAA Division III performance list for 2026. Korbul is Brandeis's first high jump champion since 2009 when Suzanne Bernier '10 achieved the feat.

Rieden was named All-UAA for the second time in his career with a third-place finish in the 800-meter run. Rieden, who finished second in the 800 a year ago, was the second seed entering the finals. Running his typically tactical race, Rieden ran a pair of 29-second laps before kicking it into gear with about 150 meters to go. He ran 28.87 seconds on the third 200 to move from eighth into seventh place, then saved his best lap for last. Rieden passed three other runners down the stretch, running the fastest final quarter to finish third with a time of 1:54.84. He was about half a second out of second place and two-tenths ahead of fourth. Rieden became the men's first repeat All-UAA selection since 2019.

The Brandeis women finished in fourth place at the 2026 UAA Championships, their highest placement since 2019. The men finished in seventh place. 

The Judges will compete at the Tufts University National Qualifying Meet this weekend as they try to reach the NCAA Division III Championships. Rieden will be looking for a second career All-America honor in the 800 meters. 

This is the tenth year that the Brandeis Athlete of the Week program has been presented by The Chateau Restaurant Group. The Athlete of the Year Program highlights top Brandeis student-athletes who have had an outstanding athletic achievement in the week prior.  Each selected student-athlete will be featured on the Brandeis athletics homepage and inside the Chateau Waltham and Jake n JOES.

Owned and operated by the Nocera Family, the Chateau Restaurant of Waltham opened in 1933 and set the standard for providing the tradition of Italian family dining, friendly service, and quality food at reasonable prices for its customers. Located on 195 School Street, with 900 seats, the Chateau is always ready to accommodate large parties.

The Nocera Family consists of 6 brothers who have always had a passion for playing sports. In 2010, the Nocera Family launched a new concept, Jake n JOES Sports Grille. Jake n JOES Waltham opened in 2014 and is the best place to watch a game and enjoy quality food.

"Brandeis student-athletes are fantastic role models in our community,” says Chateau President Joe Nocera, “They exemplify the ideals of excellence and commitment both on and off the playing field. The Chateau Waltham and Jake n JOES Waltham are proud to partner with Brandeis Athletics to continue to enhance a positive focus within the Waltham Community."

Korbul is a 2025 graduate of New Dorp High School. For more information on Brandeis women’s track and field team, visit their web page at https://brandeisjudges.com/sports/wtrack. 

Rieden is a 2022 graduate of Littleton High School. For more information on Brandeis men’s track and field, visit their web page at https://brandeisjudges.com/sports/mtrack. 

For more information on Brandeis athletics, visit our web page at www.brandeisjudges.com or follow us on social media on X, Instagram, and Facebook @BrandeisJudges.