Sharon, PA — The Penn State Shenango Cross Country team enters the 2025 season with momentum, talent, and championship expectations. Coming off an historic year where now-sophomore Faith Sullivan became the first national champion in Penn State Shenango history, the Lions are primed to keep running at the front of the pack under head coach Mindy Frazer-Epstein. Sullivan returns as the team's anchor after a breakthrough 2024-25 season that saw her claim the PSUAC individual championship, a USCAA First-Team Cross Country selection, and most notably, a USCAA Track & Field National Championship in the 800-meter event this past April. She also placed 3rd in the 1500-meter at nationals, cementing her status as the most decorated individual athlete in Shenango athletics history. "I had to make sacrifices to be successful," Sullivan said following her national title. "It has all been worth it because I love it! My goal is to come back stronger with faster times, lower golf scores, and more records and titles." Her performances alone give the program a powerful presence. Every meet will be a chance to watch one of the top runners in the USCAA compete for podium finishes and national recognition. 

The Lions also showcased depth last season, with strong finishes from Sarah Christy, Emmy Riddle, and Claire Brown.