Fort Dodge, IA – In fierce, snowy conditions, the Monroe University women's cross country braced the weather at the 2025 NJCAA Division I Cross Country Championships this past weekend.
 
Freshman Brooke Sheppard led the way for the Mustangs in the 5k. The freshman standout concluded her cross country season with a time of 23:40.10.
 
Next up for the Mustangs was sophomore Tanesia Gardiner, who ran a time of 23:50.00. Freshman Kaliyah Jones followed Gardiner for Monroe, clocking in at 25:02.90.
 
Freshmen Latejah Bailey and Anihra Wilkes were next for the Mustangs, clocking at 27:12.70 and 27:21.10, respectively. Sophomore Julihanna Johnson rounded out the finishers for Monroe with a time of 30:45.30.
 
"This definitely was new for the ladies — the elements were slick, slippery, wet and icy to say the least," head coach Shirvon Greene said. "I am extremely proud of each one of them for taking up the challenge and braving the elements. They showed real courage and determination out there."
 
The Mustangs conclude their cross country season and will not set their sights on preparation for the 2026 indoor track and field season, which commences in January.
 
ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE UNIVERSITY
The athletic program at Monroe University encompasses a total of 26 teams competing across nine sports. There are 19 varsity and junior varsity programs, as well as the Monroe University marching band, competing on the New Rochelle campus as the Mustangs (NJCAA Division I). The Monroe Express, based out of the Bronx campus, has seven teams competing at the NJCAA Division III level.
 
For more information about the Monroe Mustangs, please visit us at www.MonroeUMustangs.com or follow us on social media: Facebook (Monroe Mustangs Athletics), Twitter (@MonroeMustangs) and Instagram (@monroemustangs