On Saturday, Nov. 21, Blanca Fernandez became the first-ever women’s cross country runner to represent Temple at the NCAA Championships. The running standout placed 29th in a field of 254 of the country’s premier runners. The top 40 finishers earned All-American honors. 

 

A graduate student majoring in sport business, Fernandez entered the championship with a simple goal: to give her best effort. It’s an approach to racing that has served her well. Her efforts resulted in an undefeated regular season, and she went on to win the American Athletic Conference individual title and the NCAA Mid-Atlantic regional title. Fernandez also became one of nine Division I female cross country runners to be named a Regional Athlete of the Year by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.

 

Her focus now shifts to the upcoming indoor and outdoor track season. And beyond that, the native of Spain is developing a training plan with the goal of qualifying for that country’s Olympic team. 

 

“It’s the top goal for any athlete,” Fernandez said. 

 

Read the full story.