MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Below are the Southern States Athletic Conference Runners to Watch for the 2025 women's cross country season.
Each team selected one newcomer and one returner to feature. Teams start regular season competition this weekend, with the SSAC Championship set for Nov. 7 at Oakville Indian Mounds Park.
Abraham Baldwin
Returner
Jordanne Yunis
SR
-Our TikTok expert-she keeps the team active and fun!
-She will be graduating a semester early in December
Newcomer
Alice "Ali" Lewis
FR
-Doesn't know a stranger!
-She will definitely be one to watch - one of the fastest stats from HS joining the team.
Blue Mountain Christian
Returner
Harley Garner
SR
-Harley is a great senior leader for our women's team and a proven runner, being All-Conference last year.
-She has worked hard this summer, and we are excited how she leads this fall.
Newcomer
Kaedyn Wilson
FR, Clinton HS
-Kaedyn ran an 1847 as a senior in high school last year, and I am looking forward to her jumping right in to help the team.
-We are excited about Kaedyn and the rest of our freshman class as well.
Brewton-Parker Christian
Returner
Raashonda Khalil
SO, Portal, Ga.
-Number one runner last year
-Looking for her to be strong this year
Newcomer
Lillie Brown
FR, Cochran, Ga.
-True distance runner
-Has run 6 1/2 marathons
-Will do great in XC
-Training for the NAIA Marathon National Championship
Dalton State
Returner
Kylie Gray
-Becomes #1 returner for Lady Roadrunners
-Qualified as an individual for NAIA National Championship
-Finished 4th at SSAC Championship
Newcomer
Allison Batts
-Helped Carrollton (Ga.) High School to an 11th place finished at GHSA 6-A State Meet
-Finished 58th individually at GHSA 6-A State Meet
Faulkner
Returner
Chloe Helms
SO
-2024 All-SSAC Team and All-Freshman Team, first all-conference player in program history
-Owns 4 of top 5 best all-distance paces in program history, top three highest overall and 5K finish percentages
-Broke 6K school record, broke 5K school record twice in her first two college meets
Newcomer
McKenzie McAnnally
FR, Gardendale HS (Ala.)
-PR of 2143 in 5000m High School Championship Meet, best finish of 3rd place as sophomore and junior
-Two-sport signee (XC and JV WBB)
Loyola
Returner
Emma Meneses
JR, Metairie, La.
-Competed in four meets
-Ran a 26:24.2 in the 6K Watson Collegiate XC Classic
Newcomer
Meera Hijazi
FR, New Orleans, La.
-Named Most Valuable Runner three teams
-Cross country team won two State Championships
Mobile
Returner
Claire Atkins
JR, Orange Beach, Ala.
-Claire finished 18th at last year's SSAC Cross Country Championships with a time of 2440.6
Newcomer
Brinley Hoda
FR, Pass Christian, Miss., Pass Christian High School
-Ran a 2505.68 in the MHSAA State XC Championships 5000 meter
Thomas
Returner
Lucia Roca
SR, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
-Lucia is a returning upperclassman from last year. She is an important part of the leadership on the women's cross country team.
Newcomer
Abreya Lee
FR, Thomasville, Ga.
-Abreya will be a key contributor to the women's cross country team
UT Southern
Returner
Emma Vizina
SR, Victoria Island, B.C.
-5th at conference last year
-Qualified for nationals
-Powerful and talented individual who is going into her senior year and leads in both talent and character.
Newcomer
Claire Deaton
JR, Madison, Ala.
-Transferred from Wallace State
-Finished 4th in the 5k and 10k in the outdoor conference championship.
-A wealth of previous collegiate racing experience that adds to the depth and front pack of our team.
William Carey
Returner
Maria Tirado
-Takes pride in her family
-The type of runner to sneak some extra recovery, but also sneak some extra mileage
-Runs with tremendous heart and discipline
Newcomer
Kristina Stojanovic
-Intimidating to run against, a joy to talk to
-Loves competition, if it wasn't running it would be something else
-Good day or bad day, the work is going to get done
