Women's Cross Country | 11/2/2023 12:01:00 PM
MIAMI SHORES, Fla. -- Maryam Abreu and Gabriella Kinsey are set to represent the Bucs cross country squads at the NCAA South Regional on Saturday Nov. 4, after coming off strong performances at the SSC Championships.
Abreu and Kinsey have paced the lady Bucs all season, improving each race as the season has went on.
Abreu's highest finish of the season came at the Ave Maria Invitational, finishing 17th with a time of 25:21.5 in the 6K. She then improved her 6K time by nearly a minute, finishing 38th with a time of 24:33.1 at the SSC Championships.
Kinsey has paced the Bucs in three meets (Florida State Invitational, Ave Maria Invitational and SSC Championships). Her highest finish came in the Ave Maria Invitational where she placed ninth with a time of 24:48.8 in the 6K. She improved her time by over a minute at the SSC Championships, finishing 27th with a time of 23:45.3. She looks to carry her continued improvement into the South Regional.
Kinsey gave her thoughts on what her mentality is going into this next race.
"I am going in with the mentality to make it to nationals," said Kinsey. I want to improve as well, hopefully running a personal best."
She expressed that it is special to be able to represent the Bucs at the South Regional.
"I think that it is a huge accomplishment," said Kinsey. "We are a new team and I am a freshmen, so I am deeply proud of what I have accomplished so far in my career. Being able to represent Barry on this stage is an awesome opportunity."
Kinsey showed gratitude to her coaches and teammates in playing a vital part in her success this year.
"Everyone played a huge part in me making it this far," said Kinsey. "My team is a family and we are all very supportive of each other. My coaches methods have helped me immensely in improving my times every single week.
She also went into detail on how she gets into the zone before every race.
"People tell me that I turn into a whole different person on race day," said Kinsey. "I do not focus on any other racer or team, just myself. I find that it helps me get into a zone where I am locked in and ready to go."
The race will start at 8 a.m., on Saturday Nov. 4, at the Montevallo Cross Country course.
