USTFCCCA Release

NEW ORLEANS – After finishing first in the Roy Griak Invitational hosted by the University of Minnesota, Sophia Taarud was named National Athlete of the week by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross-Country Coaches Association (USTFCCA).

The graduate student standout opened up a sizable gap to the rest of the field at the Roy Griak Invitational Maroon Race. Taarud stopped the clock at 22:19.4, giving her 35 seconds to catch her breath before embracing fellow Warriors, Kylie Anderson and Ella Voit, at the line. It was all smiles from there on out as No. 22 Winona State captured the team title over No. 13 Minnesota State 27-66, going 1-2-3-9-12. 

Taarud proved to be unfazed by 2024 All-American Ashley Overgaauw, taking down the Maverick transfer by 65 seconds. Perhaps a budding rivalry, the two women will clash at least twice more at the NSIC Championships and Central Region Championships.  

This marks the second time a female athlete from Winona State has been named M-F National Athlete of the Week during the cross country season. Taarud joins Lindsay Cunningham, who tallied the honors four times between 2021 and 2023.