Caren Kiplagat Named USTFCCCA Women’s National Athlete of the Week

Caren Kiplagat Named USTFCCCA Women’s National Athlete of the Week

9/15/2025 3:13:00 PM | Track & Field, Cross Country

The announcement comes after a victorious showing in the Crimson Tide freshman’s first-ever collegiate performance

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama cross country freshman Caren Kiplagat was named the Women's National Athlete of the Week by the United States Track and Field & Cross Country Coaches Association, announced Monday by the organization.

In her collegiate debut at last weekend's Southern Showcase, Kiplagat claimed the women's 5k individual title via a 16:18.76 performance – over 10 seconds ahead of the meet's second-place finisher. Additionally, the feat marked the third consecutive year that an Alabama runner has won the 5k race at the Southern Showcase.

Alabama Cross Country's USTFCCCA National Success

Monday's announcement marks the fourth time in the last five years that Alabama has been awarded Women's National Athlete of the Week honors during the cross country season
Kiplagat joins two-time honoree and program standout Doris Lemngole (2023, 2024), and 2021 honoree and program legend Mercy Chelangat