Women's Cross Country | 8/31/2023 11:43:00 AM
MIAMI SHORES, Fla. -- Women's cross country coach Kevin Padin has his team built and ready to compete in the 2023 fall season.
Women's cross country last competed in the 1992 season, with Diane Daley being the individual champ for the Bucs in that season.
The women last won the SSC in 1989.
MEET THE TEAM:
Maryam Abreu ( JR, Caracas, Venezuela) followed coach Padin from Florida National over to Barry. In Abreu's freshman season at FNU she qualified for the NAIA Nationals and was named First-Team All-CAC. In the CAC championship she ran a season-best 20:23.0 to place her fifth. In her sophomore campaign she was First-Team All-Conference and a national qualifier for the Conquistadors.
"I chose Barry because of its environment and all that is provided for the student athletes," said Abreu.
"Maryam is an experienced runner at the collegiate level," said Padin. "She will lead by example and look to improve athletically and in the classroom everyday."
Hayley Boyle (FR, Shalimar, Fla.) came to Barry after graduating from Choctawhatchee Senior High, where she ran for coach Jennifer Paone. She set personal best of 20:03 in the 5K and 2:19 in the 800M.
"I chose Barry because of the welcoming atmosphere and the beautiful campus," said Boyle. "When I visited everyone was super friendly and showed my that Barry was an amazing place to call home."
"Hayley is a dedicated athlete that will look to improve everyday," said Padin. "Her hard working attitude will be a great asset to the team."
Sierra Espinoza (FR, Indianapolis, IN.) joined the Bucs from Warren Central High, where she ran cross country and track for coach Brian Miller.
"One of the reasons I chose Barry is because my cousin is here," said Sierra. "I was also interested in continuing to run cross country, I joined and look forward to building with the team."
"Sierra brings a very positive attitude that will be infectious within the team," said Padin. "She is a leader and will be someone that will bring the squad together."
Gabriella Kinsey (FR, Broward, Fla.) came from Pines Charter High, where she ran for coach Angeles de Bastos. She qualified for regionals for cross country and track and was named the teams most valuable runner in track.
"I chose Barry because I have only heard great reviews about people's experience there," said Kinsey. "I fell in love with the campus the first time I visited, and now I get to be part of a brand new team and leave a mark."
"Gabriella will bring a positive attitude and will look to be one of the leaders of the team," said Padin. "She has experience being the team captain on her high school team and I look forward to the enthusiasm that she will bring everyday."
Erin Lynch (SR, Sumner, WA.) came to Barry after being a student at Pacific University, Hawai'i Pacific and Washington. She graduated from Sumner High School where she ran for coach Kristin Chapman.
"I chose Barry for the opportunity to experience being in such a diverse area on the other side of the US while pursuing my Masters in Physician Assistant studies," said Lynch.
"Erin brings prior running experience to our group," said Padin. "She will bring a positive attitude to the team."
Karen Marquez (FR, Jiutepec, Mexico) comes to Barry from Miami-Dade where she was red-shirted in her freshman season. She earned Dean's list in the Spring.
"I chose Barry because of my opportunity to run and their academics," said Marquez. "I also loved the campus when I came on my visit."
"Karen brings a competitive attitude to the team," said Padin. "She is a committed athlete with discipline that will look to improve everyday."
Betsy Perez (SO, Dalton, GA.) transferred to Barry from Emmanuel college in Georgia. In her freshman season, she ran a season best 20:36.5 at the Royals XC Challenge. She was able to finish 23rd in the Conference Carolinas Championship 6K after running a 24:54.4.
"I chose Barry because it has everything I was looking for," said Perez. "It is a great place to be at."
"Betsy brings prior running experience to the team," said Padin. "She is a reliable teammate that will look to push our group, she knows what it takes to be successful at this level."
Kiora Wright (Port Saint Lucie, Fla.) graduated with high honors from St. Lucie West Centennial High. She played basketball under coach Jamaria Robinson.
"I chose Barry because the cultural diversity appealed to me," said Wright. "The business school is accredited and I want to pursue a business degree."
"Kiora brings a positive and up-beat attitude," said Padin. "She has a desire to improve."
UP NEXT FOR BUCS
The Bucs will open their season by traveling to Boca Raton, Fla., to compete in the FAU Invitational on Friday Sept. 1, at Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park. The meet is set to start at 6:30 p.m.
