Azusa, Calif. -  Following a stellar season that ended in an All-American performance, graduate transfer Jessica Walczak was named the PacWest Runner of the Year and Newcomer of the Year in her lone season as a Cougar. Walczak spent her first four years at Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa, where she was a 2-time NAIA Cross Country All-American, before transferring to Azusa Pacific for her final year of eligibility. 

Walczak was a dominant force for Azusa Pacific immediately, as she opened her season with a runner-up finish at the Irvine Invitational where she ran under 20 minutes in the 6k, the first Cougar to ever do so. She was the clear favorite heading into the PacWest Championships and delivered accordingly, running 20:28 to earn the title. She then placed third at the West Region Championships in Billings, Montana, and was the top finisher among all PacWest competitors. 

Walczak concluded her season with an All-American performance at the NCAA Championships in Sacramento, where she finished 12th overall and again outran all other PacWest performers. In addition to her performances, Walczak was named PacWest Runner of the Week twice during the 2024 season. 

"Jessica has been outstanding all year" shared head coach Jebreh Harris. "She has been outstanding as an athlete and more importantly as a person. Jessica brings the energy, positivity, and work ethic every day of the week. As one of our captains and leaders, Jessica has led the charge for our program. As a dominant newcomer to our program and to the PacWest we are proud of what Jessica is accomplishing and will continue to accomplish."

Here is the complete list of Cougars who earned a spot on the 2024 All-PacWest Women''s Cross Country Team:
Jessica Walczak: First Team
Sophia Godina: Third Team
Sofia Vasquez: Third Team