RESULTS
(KENOSHA, Wis.)
Maddie Reeves represented PLNU Women's Cross Country at the NCAA Championships on Saturday, placing 43rd as an individual in a time of 21:08.0.
"How best to describe
Maddie Reeves? Courageous, gutsy, joyful, relentless - are just a few of many," Director of Cross Country and Track & Field
Jake Poyner said. "Maddie did fantastic early to position herself well on a course that quickly bottlenecks. I believe a little bit of illness lingering from earlier this week made it difficult for her as the race unfolded. She was seconds outside of her target position in the Top-40."
Reeves finished the first kilometer in 21st place and was in 28th halfway through the race. Her 43rd place finish is the second among Sea Lions all-time at nationals.
"Nonetheless, we are so proud of her and all that she's accomplished this fall," Poyner said. "On behalf of the program and the university, she's carried herself with poise, made her teammates better along the way, and has represented Point Loma on the highest stage. She walks away from a fantastic senior campaign having left a profound impact on this cross country program."
Reeves earned a spot at the national meet after placing fourth at the NCAA West Regional, the best-ever finish at the regional meet by a Sea Lion, to earn All-Region honors for the second-straight season. She was PLNU's first individual qualifier for nationals since 2017.
"I'd also like to thank Assistant Coach
Madi Bucci, the rest of our Track & Field coaching staff, our Sports Medicine staff, our Strength & Conditioning department, and our administration on The Point for believing in this young woman and helping her prepare for her first NCAA Cross Country Championships," Poyner said.
Reeves, who also finished third at the PacWest Championships, is PLNU's record holder in the 6K.
"It's been a true blessing and privilege to have coached Maddie over the last four years," Assistant Coach Bucci said. "From her first year on the team, it became evident to me that she is a fierce competitor who never backs down from a challenge.
"Since then, she has demonstrated consistent growth as an athlete and a team leader. This race was a testament to her courage and resilience. We are so proud of her and are excited for her to continue this forward momentum into the spring."
Reeves now shifts her focus to the spring Track & Field season, after racing in the 10,000 meters at last year's NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
"Maddie is due for a respite, but we are already elated and excited to see what the spring holds for her," Poyner said.
POST RACE INTERVIEW
