Award History
NJCAA DII XC National Awards2025 NJCAA Division II Cross Country National Awards
National Women's Athlete of the Year
Arianna Mason was named the 2025 NJCAA DII Women’s Cross Country National Athlete of the Year. Mason, who hails from Phoenix, Arizona, captured the individual title at the 2025 NJCAA DII Cross Country Championships this past weekend in Fort Dodge, Iowa. The Paradise Valley (Ariz.) CC star crossed the finish line in 18:43.9, more than three seconds faster than the runner-up, in leading the Pumas to a runner-up team finish. It was the first victory of the season for Mason, who improved on her sixth-place finish at the Region 1 Championships.
National Men's Athlete of the Year
Esteban Boisseau was named the 2025 NJCAA DII Men’s Cross Country National Athlete of the Year. Boisseau, who hails from Barraux, France, captured the individual title at the 2025 NJCAA DII Cross Country Championships this past weekend in Fort Dodge, Iowa. The Cowley (Kan.) star crossed the finish line in 26:15.8, more than 12 seconds faster than the runner-up. Boisseau also turned in strong performances this season at the Region 6 Championships, Fort Hays State Tiger Open, Missouri Southern Stampede and Wichita State JK Gold Classic, finishing as the top NJCAA DII runner each time.
National Men's Coach of the Year
James Robinson was named the 2025 NJCAA DII Men’s Cross Country National Coach of the Year. Robinson coached Lansing (Mich.) CC to the team title at the 2025 NJCAA DII Cross Country Championships this past weekend in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Led by individual runner-up Nate Carmody, the Stars had three in the top-5 in scoring 34 points to win by 78 points as their total was the race’s lowest since 2003 and their winning margin was the largest since at least 2001. Earlier this season, Lansing won the team title at the Region 12 Championships (with a perfect score of 15 points) and Michigan CCAA Western Conference Championships.
National Women's Coach of the Year
Daniel Pescador was named the 2025 NJCAA DII Women’s Cross Country National Coach of the Year. Pescador coached Mesa (Ariz.) CC to the team title at the 2025 NJCAA DII Cross Country Championships this past weekend in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Led by the 5-6 finish of Kinley Jackson and Olivia Baker, the Thunderbirds scored 54 points to win by 33 points as all five scorers finished in the top-23 and ahead of every other team’s fourth runner. Earlier this season, Mesa also won team titles at the Region 1 Championships and Central Arizona’s Al Shirley Invitational.