MARQUETTE, Mich. - The Women's Cross Country All-Academic teams and All-Academic athletes for the 2024 NCAA Division II season were announced by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). Four Wildcats earned individual honors as well as the team being recognized for its academic achievement.  

In order to qualify for All-Academic distinction, student athletes must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale and finish in the top-30 percent of their respective regional championship meet, among other qualifiers. In order to qualify for All-Academic distinction, teams must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, including the most recent grading period and compile a team score at their respective regional championship meet, among other qualifiers. 

Four Wildcats were named All-Academic athletes: sophomore Lamar Gordon (Biology), senior Skylar Grubb (Biology), junior Gianna Hoving (Spanish), and sophomore Dani Van Lente (Fisheries and Wildlife Management).

Gordon finished in 75th with a time of 23:15.9, took 38th at the GLIAC Championships, crossing the finish line at 23:02.2, and had her best finish at the Lucian Rosa Invite where she placed 17th in a time of 23:22.2. 

Grubb took 71st at the Midwest Regional Championships with a time of 23:12.1 and placed 33rd at the GLIAC Championships, finishing with a season-best time of 22:55.4. 

Hoving earned All-Region accolades after an 18th place finish at the Midwest Regional Championship, finishing with a time of 21:54.2. She was also named to the All-GLIAC First Team after placing 10th at the GLIAC Championships with a time of 21:44.3. 

Van Lente set a PR of 22:45.3 at the Lucian Rosa Invitational, placing in 9th, took 63rd at the Midwest Regional Championships with a time of 23:06.6, and ran the GLIAC Championships in a time of 22:53.9 for 31st place.

Under head coach Jenny Ryan, the Wildcats finished with a team GPA of 3.65, earning their spot on this prestigious list. This past season, Northern placed 11th of 27 teams at the Midwest Region Championships.

You can view the full release from the USTFCCCA here.