USTFCCCA National Athletes of the Week (Sept. 30)
PacWest Weekly Awards (Oct. 1)

NEW ORLEANS / LONG BEACH, Calif. – After crossing the finish line in first overall at Cal State San Marcos' Cougar Challenge this past weekend, Academy of Art women's cross country Grace Southern was recognized with the dual honors of USTFCCCA National Athlete of the Week and Pacific West Conference Runner of the Week. The awards are for meets held from Sept. 23-29.

Southern was dominant in the 6k race on Sept. 30, grabbing the top spot and never looking back. She bested the 157-runnner field and finished more than two seconds ahead of the runner-up, sporting a time of 21:07.2. The only faster mark of her career was the program record 20:58.6 she ran in the 2023 Cougar Challenge on Sept. 23, 2023.

"This is my first NCAA cross country win which is something I've been wanting since last season," Southern said. "Taking the lead early on with confidence was a big step for me, as I've always been too hesitant to do that. The only piece I was missing today was the time but that will come. The most important thing is I am healthy and hungry and looking forward to championship season."

While it is the first time Southern has been awarded the title of USTFCCCA National Athlete of the Week in her career, it is her second PacWest weekly honor this season after she was previously selected on Sept. 17 and the fourth in her career.