MORAGA, Calif. — Saint Mary's Women's Cross Country had an excellent 2023-24 campaign. On the cross country front, the Gaels finished in third place in the WCC, their highest finish in 32 years, with three runners in the top 13 for the first time since 1990. On the track, Saint Mary's sent two runners to NCAA Prelims and set multiple program records. WCC Women's Cross Country Coach of the Year Marty Kinsey is excited to keep the momentum rolling, announcing his incoming class of 2024. 

Aleah-Rae Castro | 5-4 | Freshman | George Washington HS | Mangilao, Guam
PRs: 12.62 (100m), 27.01 (200m), 1:03.26 (400m), 16.30 (100m Hurdles), 1:07.01 (400m Hurdles)
Accomplishments: Gold Medals in the 100m, 200m, 400m, 300m Hurdles (2*), and 100m Hurdles (3*) 
Projected Major: Kinesiology

Sarah DeLaCerda | 5-1 | Freshman | Alamosa HS | Alamosa, Colorado
PRs: 1:00.29 (400m), 2:14.44 (800m), 4:47.30 (1500m), 4:55.95 (Mile), 10:49.85 (Two Mile), 18:14.5 (5K Cross Country)
Accomplishments: 2* All-State Cross Country Runner, 4* InterMountain League Cross Country Athlete of the Year, Alamosa High School Record Holder for the Mile (4:55) and the Two Mile (10:49)
Projected Major: Kinesiology
Why She Chose Saint Mary's: "I fell in love with the campus at Saint Mary's College. Coach Marty and Marc were so awesome and really believed in my ability to make the next jump in college. I'm so excited to join the energetic and positive team."

Jane Harig | 5-7 | Freshman | Issaquah HS | Issaquah, Washington
PRs: 1:06.65 (400m), 2:23.32 (800m), 5:09.11 (Mile), 10:37.78 (3000m), 11:07.89 (Two Mile), 18:04.0 (5K Cross Country)
Accomplishments: Issaquah High School 2* Distance Runner of the Year
Projected Major: Undecided
Why She Chose Saint Mary's: "I like that it's a small, liberal arts school with great weather that is close to my relatives."

Ava Irwin | 5-6 | Freshman | Newark Memorial HS | Newark, California
PRs: 16.04 (100m), 33.39 (200m), 1:16.14 (400m), 2:38.76 (800m), 5:32.46 (Mile), 11:44.20 (Two Mile), 20:08.9 (5K Cross Country)
Accomplishments: 2023 MVAL Two Mile Champion
Projected Major: Biochemistry
Why She Chose Saint Mary's: "The amazing friendly environment of the school. Additionally, when I came for my official visit I loved the team and the wonderful coaching staff."

Sofia Mastroianni | 5-3 | Senior | Ventura HS | Ventura, California
PRs: 3:10.67 (800m), 21:55.3 (4K Cross Country) 
Accomplishments: Student staff photographer at Saint Mary's College
Projected Major: English
Why She Chose Saint Mary's: "My scholarship offer, the beautiful nature around campus, the small class sizes and the ability to build relationships with my professors."

Ava Luczkow | 5-6 | Freshman | Bishop Manogue HS | Reno, Nevada
PRs: 1:01.22 (400m), 2:21.00 (800m), 4:49.19 (1500m), 5:07.22 (Mile), 10:18.82 (3000m), 10:53.37 (Two Mile), 18:50.2 (5K Cross Country)
Accomplishments: 2* Team Captain, Academic All-State
Projected Major: Biology
Why She Chose Saint Mary's: "I absolutely love the team and the community Saint Mary's offers."

Alexis Ortiz | 5-3 | Freshman | Lincoln Preparatory Academy | Chandler, Arizona
PRs: 59.99 (400m), 2:16.09 (800m), 5:22.76 (Mile), 12:01.78 (Two Mile), 18:47.8 (5K Cross Country)
Accomplishments: 2* Lincoln Prep Track MVP and 3* Lincoln Prep Cross Country MVP
Projected Major: Health Science
Why She Chose Saint Mary's: "The welcoming atmosphere, religious affiliation, academic opportunities for health science, sports opportunities, and location have all caught my eye and made me realize this is a once in a lifetime opportunity."

Elle Shrader | 5-4 | Grad Student | Pepperdine | Boerne, Texas
PRs: 4:45.95 (1500m), 5:10.93 (Mile), 10:18.32 (3000m), 17:40.36 (5000m), 37:26.81 (10,000m), 14:53.7 (4K Cross Country), 20:28.8 (5K Cross Country), 21:45.3 (6K Cross Country)
Accomplishments: Pepperdine Program Record Holder in the 3000m (10:18), WCC All-Academic Honorable Mention, MPSF All-Academic
Projected Major: Master's of Business Administration
Why She Chose Saint Mary's: "The competitive running program, dedicated coaches, positive team environment, and the opportunity to be back in the Bay Area surrounded by an abundance of career opportunities and connections!"

Desiree Sturrock | 5-3 | Junior | Orange County School of the Arts | Los Alamitos, California
Accomplishments: Saint Mary's Sustainability Intern
Projected Major: Environmental Science
Why She Chose Saint Mary's: I wanted to go to a college where I am able to pursue multiple interests, and St. Mary's has allowed me to do that.

Andrea Villegas | 4-11 | Junior | Hartnell College | Castroville, California
PRs: 1:01.84 (400m), 2:19.89 (800m), 4:48.01 (1500m), 10:58.83 (3000m), 18:26.48 (5000m), 38:43.48 (10,000m)
Accomplishments: 2023 Northern California Community College Champion at 10,000m
Projected Major: Spanish
Why She Chose Saint Mary's: "I know that it will be an outstanding school for me. I like the team and the coach so I can not wait to run with the team. I know that I will improve more."

#GaelsRise