Award History
NCAA DI XC National Awards2025 NCAA Division I Cross Country National Awards
NEW ORLEANS – National Athletes and Coaches of the Year for the 2025 NCAA Division I Cross Country season were announced on Monday by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) following the conclusion of the season.
Award winners were determined by a vote of USTFCCCA member coaches based on performances both during the regular season and at the 2025 NCAA DI Cross Country Championships in Columbia, Missouri. Only individuals from USTFCCCA member programs are eligible for awards.
National Men's Coach of the Year
Dave Smith was named the 2025 NCAA Division I Men’s Cross Country National Coach of the Year. Smith, in his 20th year as head coach at Oklahoma State, led the Cowboys to the team title at the NCAA DI Cross Country Championships in Columbia, Missouri, with 57 points. Earlier in the season, Oklahoma State also won team titles at the Midwest Region Championships with 38 points and Big 12 Conference Championships with 20 points.
National Women's Athlete of the Year
Doris Lemngole was named the 2025 NCAA Division I Women’s Cross Country National Athlete of the Year. Lemngole capped an undefeated season with an individual title at the NCAA DI Cross Country Championships in Columbia, Missouri. The Alabama standout also took top individual honors at the South Region Championships and the SEC Championships.
National Men's Athlete of the Year
Habtom Samuel was named the 2025 NCAA Division I Men’s Cross Country National Athlete of the Year. Samuel capped an undefeated season with an individual title at the NCAA DI Cross Country Championships in Columbia, Missouri. The New Mexico standout also topped the podium at the Mountain Region Championships, the Mountain West Conference Championships, as well as the Nuttycombe Wisconsin Invitational.
National Women's Coach of the Year
Laurie Henes was named the 2025 NCAA Division I Women’s Cross Country National Coach of the Year. Henes, in her 20th year as head coach at NC State, led the Wolfpack to the team title at the NCAA DI Cross Country Championships in Columbia, Missouri, with 114 points. Earlier in the season, NC State won team titles at the Southeast Region Championships with 55 points and ACC Championships with 28 points.