Great Lakes Wire

The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) has announced the Women's Cross Country All-Academic teams and athletes for the 2024 NCAA Division II season. The Northern Michigan University Wildcats have been recognized for their academic achievements, with four individual athletes earning honors alongside the team.

To qualify for All-Academic distinction, student-athletes must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale and finish in the top 30 percent of their respective regional championship meet, among other criteria. Teams must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, including the most recent grading period, and compile a team score at their respective regional championship meet.

The Wildcats' honorees include sophomore Lamar Gordon (Biology), senior Skylar Grubb (Biology), junior Gianna Hoving (Spanish), and sophomore Dani Van Lente (Fisheries and Wildlife Management).

Gordon completed her season with notable performances, finishing 75th at one event with a time of 23:15.9, securing 38th place at the GLIAC Championships with a time of 23:02.2, and achieving her best result at the Lucian Rosa Invite by placing 17th in a time of 23:22.2.

Grubb placed 71st at the Midwest Regional Championships with a time of 23:12.1 and achieved her season-best time of 22:55.4 to finish in 33rd place at the GLIAC Championships.

Hoving earned All-Region accolades following an impressive performance that saw her finish in 18th place at the Midwest Regional Championship with a time of 21:54.2. She was also named to the All-GLIAC First Team after placing 10th at the GLIAC Championships with a time of 21:44.3.

Van Lente set a personal record of 22:45.3 while placing ninth at the Lucian Rosa Invitational, took 63rd place at the Midwest Regional Championships with a time of 23:06.6, and finished in 31st place at the GLIAC Championships with a time of 22:53.9.

Under head coach Jenny Ryan's leadership, Northern Michigan University's cross country team achieved an impressive team GPA of 3.65, securing their position on this prestigious list for academic excellence during their competitive season.

Northern Michigan University placed eleventh out of twenty-seven teams at this past season's Midwest Region Championships.