Holland Reporter

Junior athlete Lauren Kiley has been recognized as a finalist for the Division II Athlete of the Year in Cross Country. The announcement was made by The Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA), which is sponsored by Honda.

"This nomination is a huge deal and it's something you hear all the big names in the field receive," Kiley expressed. "To be a part of that group is mind blowing."

Kiley is among 12 finalists competing for this award, which honors top athletes from NCAA Division II. The winner will be selected through national voting by members of over 1,000 NCAA organizations at the conclusion of the 2024-25 academic year.

Kiley's performance during the 2024 cross country season earned her this recognition. She became the individual champion at both the GLIAC Championships and the NCAA DII Midwest Region Championships before securing the national title at the NCAA DII Championships in Sacramento, California. Her achievements led to her being named the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) DII National Athlete of the Year with a time of 20:28.5.

Her journey to success was challenging due to an injury sustained in preseason, which kept her from racing throughout most of the regular season. She returned to competition at the GLIAC Championships, finishing first with a time of 20:46.2. She continued her winning streak at the NCAA DII Midwest Region Championships with a time of 20:57.8 and concluded her season with another gold medal and All-America honors at the National Championships.

"I'm blessed to be a part of a team with such great girls and guys who have provided me with the best support system I could ask for," Kiley said.

The complete release from CWSA can be accessed at collegiatewomensportsawards.com.