Culley became the first CMS graduate to become a women's track and field national champion when she won the 400 meters at the 1998 NCAA Division III Championships. Her time of 54.11 was so fast that it still stands as the program record almost 30 years later (over a second faster than second place). Culley also came in second in the 200 meters, and was part of a 4x400 relay team that came in fifth place to earn All-America honors. During her career, she was an All-American four times (first, third and fifth in the 400, and second in the 200). She also won the SCIAC title in the 400 meters three times, and added a fourth title in the long jump as well.