Fresh off the program’s first Metro Regional title and first-ever trip to the Division III NCAA Championship, Rowan women’s cross country will look to go even farther in 2025. Their season kicks off in a big way with a trip to Salisbury, Md., for the Salisbury Fall Classic, beginning on Saturday, Aug. 30.

After years of consistent NJAC success but none on the national stage, the Profs hired head coach Shedrick Elliot III to take them to new heights. Elliot III had an established resume before taking over for Rowan. Before becoming a Prof, he was the assistant track and cross country coach for powerhouse Johns Hopkins University for 10 seasons. During his tenure, the Blue Jays won four national championships.

The team will also look for a leader to step up after losing Mia Guerra to graduation. Guerra was a pivotal part of their success last season, placing first at the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Championship and sixth in the Metro Regional Championship. Her performances helped Rowan capture their first NJAC championship since 2019 and its first-ever Metro Regional team title. 

The Profs’ other key loss to graduation is Anna Sasse, who placed fourth at NJAC’s and eighth at Metro Regionals.

Despite the key losses for the Profs, most of the team’s top performers are returning in 2025, including senior Gabriella Pagano and junior Ally Wernik. Pagano placed fifth at the NJAC championship and 15th at Metro Regionals, while Wernik finished 12th and just behind Guerra in second at NJAC’s.

Sophomores Emily Zanni and Zoey Doelling are also returning, as well as junior Shannon Stakelbeck. All three competed at the NCAA Championships last season.

Year one of Elliot III set new standards for women’s cross country, defined by competition on a national stage. Heading into year two, they will look to continue setting that tone.

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