ROCKLIN, Calif. – They say Vancouver in November is a dream destination, at least it is for NAIA Cross Country runners. That dream is coming true for one of Jessup's best, as Azalea Prince will visit the Pacific Northwest this week to compete in the 2021 NAIA National Championship.
 
On qualifying for Nationals, Head Coach Jeff Magley spoke of Prince and stated that it is "a great accomplishment for Azalea and a tremendous testament to the season she has had as our number one runner all year."
 
Prince has been the Warriors' leading runner all season, culminating with a PR and her second-career All-Conference finish at the GSAC Cross Country Championship a week ago. Prince earns an individual appearance to Nationals after her 11th place finish in Santa Clarita. 
 
"Azalea had the best race of her career last week when it counted the most at our GSAC Championships," added Magley. "With that effort, she was rewarded with a trip to the National Championships."
 
Prince joins an elite list of Warriors to compete at the National Championship, as she is the fifth Jessup female runner to qualify. The others are Amanda Gillming, Kim Spencer, Hannah Wiesner, and Bailey Cossentine. Sara Kelly also qualified for Nationals back in the NCCAA.
 
The second-year runner for the Warriors, Prince, ran a 5K time of 18:43 back at the GSAC Championship. It was a 17-second improvement from her time two weeks prior at the Warrior Invitational.
 
"Azalea is only the fifth female in school history to represent the Warriors at the NAIA National Championships," added Magley. "She is absolutely ready for a great Championship after her All-Conference finish at the GSAC Championships."
 
Prince is no stranger to high-level competition. Along with her two-consecutive All-GSAC achievements in cross country, she earned all-conference honors in Track & Field earlier this spring.
 
Magley stated that her championship experience will have Prince ready for Vancouver.
 
"As a sophomore, Azalea has competed in three GSAC Championships in her career so far and has earned all-conference honors in all three championships, and to qualify for Nationals as a sophomore is a testament to Azalea's determination and commitment to her aspiration of achieving at the highest level."
 
The 2021 NAIA National Championship will take place on the Fort Vancouver National Historic Championship Course. The women's 5K is scheduled for 11:30 a.m., with post-race awards taking place at approximately 1 p.m.
   
William Jessup University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC). For additional information regarding Jessup Athletics, visit www.jessupathletics.com; visit www.jessup.edu for more information on William Jessup University. Follow Jessup Athletics on social media: William Jessup University Athletics (Facebook) and @JessupAthletics (Twitter & Instagram).