Nov. 24, 2015

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – University of Notre Dame senior Molly Seidel was named the women’s U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association National Athlete of the Year, the organization announced Tuesday.

The honor was bestowed upon Seidel following her title-winning performance in the women’s 6k event at the 2015 NCAA Cross Country Championships in Louisville, Kentucky. With the win, she became Notre Dame’s first female to capture the NCAA cross country championship and first student-athlete overall since Oliver Hunter accomplished the feat in 1942.

“Molly (Seidel) winning the USTFCCCA National Athlete of the Year award for cross country doesn’t come as a surprise, especially after the dominate season she had in the championship races – ACC, Great Lakes Regional and NCAAs,” Notre Dame head coach Alan Turner said following the announcement. “Molly is making history, not only Notre Dame history, but cross country history. She even became the first female Footlocker National Cross Country Champion in high school to become an NCAA Division I Cross Country Champion. The entire program is so excited and happy for her.”

Alongside Seidel, Oregon’s Edward Cheserek received the men’s USTFCCCA National Athlete of the Year recognition, while Syracuse’s Chris Fox and New Mexico’s Joe Franklin earned men’s and women’s National Coach of the Year honors, respectively.

For the full press release please visit: USTFCCCA.org