UHH women’s cross country gears up with four newcomers
HILO — Four newcomers and two returnees makeup the UH-Hilo Women’s Cross Country roster entering the upcoming fall season under second-year head coach Alan Ryan.
The Vulcans’ experience runs the gamut with three freshmen and three upperclassmen.
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“I am thrilled to welcome our four new cross country runners to the team. Each one brings a unique blend of determination, talent and potential,” Ryan said. “Their dedication to the sport and commitment to excellence are already inspiring, and I am confident they will make significant contributions to our team’s success.”
Additionally, the Vulcans welcome back returnees Summer Corke — a junior who sat out last season — and Megan Donovan — a former member of the Hawaii Hilo Women’s Soccer team who also competed in two events last fall.
Isabel Raymond joins the squad to close out her collegiate career after being a four-year member of both the women’s cross country and track &field teams at Division-I Iona University.
“Our seasoned veterans will play a crucial role in guiding them, bringing maturity and experience that will be invaluable as we work together toward our goals,” Ryan continued. “With this combination of fresh energy and seasoned wisdom, I am confident we will achieve great strides both on and off the course.”
This season’s schedule won’t be much of any difference than previous years with four in-state meets lined up. UH-Hilo will host its lone home event Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Grand Naniloa Resort Banyans Golf Course.
Pacific West Conference Championships is set for Oct. 26 at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine, California.
“In cross country, camaraderie is the heartbeat of the team,” Ryan said. “It’s not just about running together — it’s about growing together, pushing each other and celebrating every step of the journey. I will enjoy guiding them as they represent our University and embody the spirit of our local Hilo community.”
Isabel Raymond
5’5 | 5TH | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | Father John Redmond CSS and RAC / Iona
• Spent four years at Iona University (New York)
• Competed in cross country and both indoor and outdoor track &field (400m, 800m, 1000m, 1500m, 3000m, steeplechase) through four seasons with the Gaels
• 2020-21 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Cross Country Team Champion
• 6K PR: 24:27.6 at MAAC Cross Country Championships (March 5, 2021)
• 5K PR: 19:36.0 at Spider Patriot Cross Classic (Feb. 20, 2021)
• 2024 (Spring) B.A. Psychology
• 2021 MAAC All-Academic Team
• 2020 graduate of Father John Redmond Catholic Secondary School and Regional Arts Centre (Canada)
• Competed in four seasons of varsity cross country
Major: Business Administration – Management
Coach’s words: “Her experience in a program with cross country, indoor and outdoor track will be extremely valuable to our program. She’s a very talented athlete who still has a lot of unrealized potential.”
Alandra Nunez
5’1 | FR | Beaumont, Calif. | Beaumont HS
• Joined the team during spring 2024
• 2023 graduate of Beaumont High School (California)
• Other Sports: Soccer, Track &Field
Major: Biology
Why UH-Hilo: “It perfectly aligns with my lifestyle. The tropical environment of Hilo has a positive impact on my studies and provides the ideal setting for pursuing my academic endeavors. “
Coach’s words: “With a background mainly in soccer, Alandra knows the dedication needed to achieve success. She is very good at following instructions and her determination is impressive. As she learns more skills in our sport, I expect her to make great strides throughout the season.”
Maggi Morrell
5’2 | FR | Fountain, Colo. | Widefield HS
• 2024 graduate of Widefield High School (Colorado)
• Competed four seasons of varsity cross country for coaches Erik Nelson, Malcolm Miller, FIsher
• 5K PR: 21:05 at Joe Vigil Adams State Invite/Alamosa (Sept. 2023)
• Other Sports: Swim, Track &Field
• Track &Field League Champion (x2)
Major: Marine Science
Why UH-Hilo: “Its welcoming atmosphere, enriched culture and beautiful landscapes. It was the one college to truly go out of its way to make me feel welcomed. “
Coach’s words: “A multi-sport athlete in high school, Maggi has a great amount of potential as she makes the switch to collegiate athletics. I expect she will get an immediate boost in her running times this season as she has raced at altitude throughout high school.”
Kaia Spiess
5’5 | FR | Elsie, Mich. | Ovid-Elsie HS
• 2024 graduate of Ovid-Elsie High School (Michigan)
• Competed in four seasons of varsity cross country for coach Brian Powell
• Other Sports: Wrestling, Track &Field, Swimming, Tennis
• States Qualifier in Cross Country, Wrestling, Tennis
• Born in China
Major: Kinesiology &Exercise Sciences
Why UH-Hilo: “The diversity, warm weather and fun adventures. “
Coach’s words: “She is a very strong athlete who competed in several sports and I expect she will grow tremendously here with a year-round running schedule. UH-Hilo was a perfect fit for her and I expect she will fit in very well with our team culture.”
