UAB’s women’s cross-country team started its season Aug. 25 at the Foothills Invitational in Oxford, Alabama. Head coach Travis Pope called the race promising and described it as his “favorite cross-country memory” after the team placed third and beat a longtime rival.

Pope said he’s “feeling pretty good” about the season, emphasizing the team’s strong new talent. He highlighted notable races on the schedule, including the AAC Conference Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the Chile Pepper Festival in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

He added that one of his personal goals is “shooting for fifth or sixth place at conference.” As the season progresses, Pope said the team’s ultimate goal is “a top-18 NCAA regional performance.”

Several athletes shared their own goals for the season. Sangie Lincoln-Velez, a senior, said she’s excited to “continue competing and becoming a better athlete with my team,” adding that her personal goal is “to place in the top 20 for our conference meet this year.”

Katie Keur, a junior, echoed that excitement. “I am most excited to keep working hard and chasing my goals, as well as training and competing with my team each day,” Kerr said. Her personal goal is to “finish all-conference and help my team finish in the top half of the conference.”

Recently, UAB women’s cross-country placed first at the Firehawk Invitational, with four athletes finishing in the top 10 overall.