Northwestern University Athletics
Friday, November 14
Stillwater, Okla.
9 a.m. CT
Northwestern
at
NCAA Midwest Regional
Photo by: Chloe Reeves/Northwestern Athletics
‘Cats Punch Ticket To NCAA Championships, Earn Runner-Up Finish At Midwest Regional
11/14/2025 12:00:00 PM | Women's Cross Country & Track
Northwestern books fourth trip to national meet in program history
STILLWATER, Okla. (November 14, 2025) – No. 11 Northwestern cross country added another chapter to a historic 2025 campaign on Friday morning, qualifying for the NCAA Cross Country Championships following a runner-up finish at the NCAA Midwest Regional in Stillwater, Okla.
Led by five finishers inside the top 20 at Oklahoma State University's Greiner Family Cross Country Course, the Wildcats posted a team score of 86 to secure the program's fourth bid to the NCAA Championships, the last two of which have come under head coach Jill Miller. Northwestern finished 22 points clear of No. 6 Iowa State (108 points) for second place, while No. 9 Oklahoma State (55 points) claimed the regional crown on its home course.
Northwestern showcased a balanced attack, with its top five runners finishing within an eight-second spread. By virtue of their finishes, all five members of the quintet secured United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Region honors.
Ava Earl was the first Wildcat to cross the finish line in the women's 6k championship race. Out of Girdwood, Alaska, Earl clocked in at 20:46.4 to finish 15th overall and earn the fourth USTFCCCA All-Region nod of her decorated career.
The pairing of Skye Ellis and Jackie Holman crossed only tenths of a second back of Earl. Ellis claimed 16th in 20:46.6, while Holman ran 20:46.7 to place 17th.
Fresh off earning All-Big Ten Conference honors in her last appearance, Maddy Whitman carried over momentum with a time of 20:48.7 that saw her take 18th. Holly Smith rounded out an impressive showing by the Wildcats' top five, finishing 20th at 20:54.4.
Northwestern will turn its attention towards the NCAA Cross Country Championships in Columbia, Mo. on Saturday, November 22. The University of Missouri will play host to the 2025 edition of the national meet at the Gans Creek Cross Country Course.
Gallery: (11-14-2025) Cross Country at NCAA Midwest Regional
Led by five finishers inside the top 20 at Oklahoma State University's Greiner Family Cross Country Course, the Wildcats posted a team score of 86 to secure the program's fourth bid to the NCAA Championships, the last two of which have come under head coach Jill Miller. Northwestern finished 22 points clear of No. 6 Iowa State (108 points) for second place, while No. 9 Oklahoma State (55 points) claimed the regional crown on its home course.
TICKET PUNCHED ???
— Northwestern Athletics (@NU_Sports) November 14, 2025
Following a runner-up finish at the NCAA Midwest Regional, Northwestern has secured an automatic bid to the NCAA Cross Country Championships! pic.twitter.com/AqCqLuzsxa
Northwestern showcased a balanced attack, with its top five runners finishing within an eight-second spread. By virtue of their finishes, all five members of the quintet secured United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Region honors.
Ava Earl was the first Wildcat to cross the finish line in the women's 6k championship race. Out of Girdwood, Alaska, Earl clocked in at 20:46.4 to finish 15th overall and earn the fourth USTFCCCA All-Region nod of her decorated career.
The pairing of Skye Ellis and Jackie Holman crossed only tenths of a second back of Earl. Ellis claimed 16th in 20:46.6, while Holman ran 20:46.7 to place 17th.
Fresh off earning All-Big Ten Conference honors in her last appearance, Maddy Whitman carried over momentum with a time of 20:48.7 that saw her take 18th. Holly Smith rounded out an impressive showing by the Wildcats' top five, finishing 20th at 20:54.4.
Northwestern will turn its attention towards the NCAA Cross Country Championships in Columbia, Mo. on Saturday, November 22. The University of Missouri will play host to the 2025 edition of the national meet at the Gans Creek Cross Country Course.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Cross Country & Track
/ Women's Cross Country & Track
/ Women's Cross Country & Track
/ Women's Cross Country & Track
/ Women's Cross Country & Track
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