UAA runner Caroline Kurgat named Division II Athlete of the Year

by Michelle Saport  |   

Caroline Kurgat, a senior track & field performer, was named the Division II Honda Athlete of the Year by the College Women Sports Award Program. Kurgat's outstanding performance during the 2017-18 season included three national titles (one in cross country; and two in track and field), as well as posting a record-breaking time (32:33.24) for 10,000 meters (fastest time in Great Northwest Athletic Conference history and second-fastest in all DII history).

"Caroline has worked extremely hard and this award recognizes all of the hard work that she has put in over the years," said UAA head coach Michael Friess. "This past year for Caroline has been the most successful year of any cross country or track and field student-athlete UAA has ever had. What Caroline has achieved over the past 12 months is remarkable."

Kurgat will accept the honor during a ceremony at the University of Southern California campus in downtown Los Angeles. Those in Alaska can tune in to CBS Sports Network on Monday, June 25, at 5 p.m. local time to watch a live telecast.

"I would like to thank the Collegiate Women's Sports Award for this honor," said Caroline Kurgat. "I need to thank many people, from my coaches and teammates, to the support of my family and university for helping me to achieve everything I did this past year. This award is a true honor. Thank you."

The first-ever national champion in women's program history, Kurgat is also a three-time USTFCCCA All-American and was named the GNAC Athlete of the Year and USTFCCCA West Region Athlete of the Year in both cross country and outdoor track.

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