TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The USF Dons' family is ecstatic to watch sophomore Ruby Smee compete this weekend at the 2021 Cross Country National Championships hosted by Florida State. Smee's participation continues the program's storied tradition of having at least one athlete competing for the National Title since 2012.

"I'm super excited to be heading to Tallahassee, Florida this week to represent USF at the National Cross Country championships," Smee said. "It means a lot to be able to have a USF representative there, we've always had at least one there so I'm really excited to keep that tradition alive and represent the Dons this week." 

Smee's first collegiate season racing cross country was a smashing success as she placed in the top two four times including individual wins at the Stump Invitational, Bronco Invitational and the WCC Championships. At the Bronco Invitational, Smee also shattered the course record in the 6K for good measure.

"Each race when you're up there it becomes a little harder but I think she does a really good job of just taking it one race a time," head coach Tim Riley said. "That's what we're doing this weekend, it's just the next one and for her it will just be really exciting to see how she handles it running against the best girls in the country." 

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