Northern Michigan University sophomore Madi Szymanski had a standout performance at the NCAA Division II Championships, representing her school in a college women’s cross country meet in Missouri. Despite being up against over 260 runners, Szymanski finished an impressive 65th, completing the six-kilometer course in just 21 minutes and 6.2 seconds.
Throughout the race, Szymanski demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination, moving up in the field from 91st at the 1K mark to 73rd at the 5K mark. Her impressive performance was not limited to this meet alone; she had an exceptional season overall, earning All-GLIAC honors and All-Region recognition for her efforts.
Szymanski’s personal record time for a six kilometer improved three times throughout the season, with her best finish coming at the regionals where she recorded a time of 20:55.83. NMU cross country coach Jenny Ryan praised Szymanski for her incredible season and hard work.
In addition to Szymanski’s individual successes, Grand Valley State took home the team title for the seventh time in program history, with all of their top five runners finishing inside the first 30.