Fall Athletics Spotlight: Women’s Cross Country

Bulldogs run together as a team – and as a family. We checked in with Lexi Igler ’24, an Exercise Science and Pre-Athletic Training major, Tanya Spengler ’25, an Undeclared major, Cheryl Medeiros ’25, an Arts and Entertainment Management major, and Daniella Kaplan ’23, a Communications major and Psychology minor to learn more about what they love about being on the women’s cross country team.

Q: What is your favorite thing about being on the women’s cross country team?

Lexi: “Running practices and going to meets together as a team is so much fun since we are traveling as a team.”

Tanya: “How this team is like my family. We help and cheer each other on when they need encouragement or even when they just need a little boost.”

Cheryl: “My favorite thing about my team is how much of a family we all are.”

Daniella: “The friends and family I made.”

Q: How has being a student-athlete shaped your Dean experience?

Lexi: “My experience as a student-athlete has shaped my Dean experience because we are very close as a team, and we are there for one another. Having such a close connection has shown people that cross country is an excellent community to be part of.”

Tanya: “My experience as a student-athlete has shaped my Dean experience by being able to help encourage my teammates and that helps me encourage others when they seem to give up.”

Cheryl: “It’s helped me become more outgoing and get to know a lot more people here at Dean.”

Daniella: “It has helped me become a better person and helped me manage my time.”

Q: What is your favorite thing about Dean?

Lexi: “Being the women's captain has given me a purpose and a great responsibility to check up on my runners and connecting with them to grow stronger friendships.”

Tanya: “The Arch program.”

Cheryl: “I love the welcoming community here at Dean.”

Daniella: “The community and the family you build.”

Q: What are you most excited about this season?

Lexi: “I'm most excited about how everyone is progressing and improving their time as we grow as a team and individuals. I love my team more than anything, and they are my family.”

Tanya: “What I am most excited about this season is to keep trying my best to get better and improving my time.”

Cheryl: “I’m excited to play my sport, cross country, and improve on it.”

Daniella: “I’m most excited about my classes and the cross country team.”

We’re cheering for you, Bulldogs! Learn more about women’s cross country and stay up-to-date on the latest news and game-day schedules at Dean College Athletics.

We’ll be featuring each of our athletic teams throughout the Fall 2021 season. Check back regularly to meet some of our student-athletes and learn more about their experiences as Bulldogs.