HILO – Four freshmen and two returnees make up the roster of the UH-Hilo women’s cross country team, which enters the upcoming fall season under new head coach Alan Ryan.
With three freshmen and three seniors, the Vulcans’ experience is broad.
“I am delighted to welcome our four new cross country runners to the team. Each of them brings a unique blend of determination, talent and potential,” said Ryan. “Their commitment to the sport and pursuit of excellence is already inspiring and I am confident they will make a significant contribution to our team’s success.”
In addition, the Vulcans welcome back returnees Summer Corke, a junior who sat out last season, and Megan Donovan, a former member of the Hawaii Hilo women’s soccer team who also competed in two events last fall.
Isabel Raymond joins the team to conclude her collegiate career after four years as a member of Iona University’s Division I women’s cross country and track and field teams.
“Our seasoned veterans will play a critical leadership role and bring maturity and experience that will be invaluable as we work together toward our goals,” Ryan continued. “With this combination of fresh energy and seasoned wisdom, I am confident we will make great progress both on and off the field.”
This season’s schedule is not much different from previous years, with four national competitions scheduled. UH-Hilo hosts its only home event on Saturday, October 5, at the Grand Naniloa Resort Banyans Golf Course.
The Pacific West Conference Championships will be held on October 26 at Orange County Great Park in Irvine, California.
“In cross country, camaraderie is at the heart of the team,” Ryan said. “It’s not just about running together – it’s about growing together, encouraging each other and celebrating every step of the journey. I will enjoy leading them as they represent our university and embody the spirit of our local Hilo community.”
Isabel Raymond
5’5 | 5TH | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | Father John Redmond CSS and RAC / Iona
• Spent four years at Iona University (New York)
• Participated in cross country and indoor and outdoor athletics (400 m, 800 m, 1000 m, 1500 m, 3000 m, steeplechase) with the Gaels for four seasons
• 2020-21 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Cross Country Team Champions
• 6k PR: 24:27.6 at the MAAC Cross Country Championships (March 5, 2021)
• 5K PR: 19:36.0 at Spider Patriot Cross Classic (February 20, 2021)
• 2024 (Spring) BA Psychology
• 2021 MAAC All-Academic Team
• 2020 graduate of Father John Redmond Catholic Secondary School and the Regional Arts Centre (Canada)
• Participation in four seasons of cross-country competitions
Significant: Business Administration – Management
Words from the coach: “Her experience in a program with cross country, indoor and outdoor track will be extremely valuable to our program. She is a very talented athlete who still has a lot of untapped potential.”
Alandra Nunez
5’1 | FR | Beaumont, California | Beaumont HS
• Joined the team in spring 2024
• Graduate of Beaumont High School (California) in 2023
• Other sports: football, athletics
Significant: Biology
Why UH Hilo: “It fits my lifestyle perfectly. Hilo’s tropical environment has a positive impact on my studies and provides the ideal setting for my academic endeavors.”
Words from the coach: “Alandra has played primarily soccer, so she knows how much dedication is needed to be successful. She follows instructions very well and her determination is impressive. As she continues to learn more skills in our sport, I expect her to make great progress throughout the season.”
Maggie Morrell
5’2 | FR | Fountain, Colorado | Widefield HS
• Graduate of Widefield High School (Colorado) in 2024
• Participated in four seasons of cross country running for coaches Erik Nelson, Malcolm Miller and Fisher
• 5K PR: 21:05 at Joe Vigil Adams State Invite/Alamosa (Sept. 2023)
• Other sports: swimming, athletics
• Athletics League Champion (x2)
Significant: Marine Sciences
Why UH Hilo: “The welcoming atmosphere, the enriching culture and the beautiful landscapes. It was the only college that really went out of its way to make me feel welcome.”
Words from the coach: “Maggi was a multi-sport athlete in high school and has great potential now that she is moving into college sports. I expect her to immediately improve her running times this season as she has been running in high altitude races throughout high school.”
Kaia Spiess
5’5 | FR | Elsie, Mich. | Ovid-Elsie HS
• Graduate of Ovid-Elsie High School (Michigan) in 2024
• Participated in four seasons of cross country competitions for coach Brian Powell
• Other sports: wrestling, athletics, swimming, tennis
• State qualification in cross country, wrestling, tennis
• Born in China
Significant: Kinesiology & Sports Science
Why UH Hilo: “The variety, the warm weather and the great adventures.”
Words from the coach: “She is a very strong athlete who has competed in multiple sports, and I expect her to grow tremendously here with a year-round running program. UH-Hilo has been a perfect fit for her, and I expect she will fit into our team culture very well.”
