Award History
NCAA DII XC National Awards2025 NCAA Division II Cross Country National Awards
NEW ORLEANS – National Athletes and Coaches of the Year for the 2025 NCAA DII Cross Country season were announced on Tuesday 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 what they did both at the NCAA DII Cross Country Championships in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and throughout the regular season. Only individuals from USTFCCCA member programs are eligible for awards.
National Men's Athlete of the Year
Kidus Begashaw was named the 2025 NCAA DII Men’s Cross Country National Athlete of the Year. Begashaw, who hails from Aurora, Colorado, won the individual title at the 2025 NCAA DII Cross Country Championships in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He crossed the finish line in 29:38.8. During the regular season, Begashaw finished runner-up at both the RMAC Championships and South Central Region Championships, as well as a fourth-place effort at the Lucian Rosa Invitational.
National Women's Coach of the Year
Jerry Baltes was named the 2025 NCAA DII Women’s Cross Country National Coach of the Year. Baltes, in his 27th year as head coach of the Lakers, led Grand Valley State to the team title at the 2025 NCAA DII Cross Country Championships in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The Lakers, buoyed by three finishers in the top 15, beat Colo. School of Mines by four points, 65-69. Earlier in the season, GVSU topped the podium at the Midwest Region Championships and GLIAC Championships, among others.
National Men's Coach of the Year
Pol Domenech was named the 2025 NCAA DII Men’s Cross Country National Coach of the Year. Domenech, in his fifth season as head coach of the Bulldogs, led Wingate to the team title at the 2025 NCAA DII Cross Country Championships in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The Bulldogs, who placed six of their seven runners in the top 40, held off a strong challenge from Adams State and picked up the 62-71 win. Earlier in the season, Wingate reigned at the Southeast Region Championships as well as the South Atlantic Conference Championships, among others.
National Women's Athlete of the Year
Tristian Spence was named the 2025 NCAA DII Women’s Cross Country National Athlete of the Year. Spence, who hails from Grand Junction, Colorado, won the individual title at the 2025 NCAA DII Cross Country Championships in Kenosha, Wisconsin. She crossed the finish line in 20:11.0. During the regular season, Spence also claimed top individual honors at the South Central Region Championships, finished runner-up at the RMAC Championships, and was eighth at the Lucian Rosa Invitational.