MARQUETTE, Mich. – The Women's Cross Country All-Academic teams and All-Academic athletes for the 2025 NCAA Division II season were announced by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).
Northern Michigan had all seven athletes named to the All-Academic team, one of only seven schools in the nation to achieve that distinction, and the Wildcats were recognized for their team's academic excellence.
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. 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.
The seven Wildcats earning All-Academic recognition are:
Madi Szymanski (Nursing),
Ashley Choponis (Forensic Biochemistry),
Emma Sweeney (Criminal Justice),
Lamar Gordon (Biology),
Sophia Potter (Political Science), Dani VanLente (Fisheries and Wildlife Management), and
Beverly Harper (Health and Physical Education).
At the GLIAC Championships, the Wildcats finished in 2nd place, their best conference finish since 2017. In a race of over 100 runners, the team was paced by First Team All-GLIAC runner
Madi Szymanski, who finished 10th with a time of 21:05.7. Close behind,
Ashley Choponis earned Second Team All-GLIAC recognition in her first conference race, finishing 16th at 21:38.2.
Behind the leaders,
Emma Sweeney and
Lamar Gordon ran back-to-back for 22nd and 23rd (21:56.8 and 21:57.4), earning Second Team All-GLIAC honors.
Sophia Potter finished 27th (22:07.4), Dani VanLente 34th (22:23.9), and
Beverly Harper 37th (22:31.6).
At the NCAA Midwest Regional Championships, Northern Michigan posted a program-best finish since 2017, placing 4th out of 32 teams with 160 points. Szymanski finished 11th with a time of 21:17.45, while Choponis placed 20th at 21:41.78.
The Wildcats' scoring pack included Potter in 40th (22:12.20), Gordon in 43rd (22:15.65), Harper in 46th (22:20.54), and Sweeney in 49th (22:26.00). Rounding out the seven-runner lineup was Dani VanLente, who placed 56th at 22:38.43.
Under head coach
Jenny Ryan, the Wildcats finished with a team GPA of 3.71. This combination of athletic and academic success continues Northern Michigan's strong tradition of excellence in women's cross country.
