Cross Country Set for Season Opener at Florida Intercollegiate in Jacksonville

ORLANDO - The UCF cross country team is gearing up to head to Jacksonville, Fla., this Friday, Aug. 29, to kick off its 2025 slate at the Florida Intercollegiate.

Hosted by the University of North Florida, this year marks the squad's first trip to the campus since 2017, and their first time racing at Cecil Field. 

In an all-Florida outing, the Knights will compete alongside nine other top programs from across the state, including the University of Florida, Florida State, the University of South Florida, FAMU, Bethune-Cookman, Florida Gulf Coast, Stetson, and Jacksonville University.

As the team’s only night race of the season, the women’s 5k race will start at 7:00 pm, with many fresh faces representing the Black and Gold. Bailey McLain, Masha Dorofeev, Daisy Ross, and Raquel Edwards will all make their cross-country debut at the outing, with veterans Ava Quattrocchi, Madison Patchan, and Isabella Richardson at their side.

Richardson made a strong start in last year’s season opener, finishing eighth with a time of 18:33.7 at the UCF Invitational. After missing the end of the season due to injury, she’ll be aiming to recapture that early-season form this time around.

The Florida Intercollegiate will serve as the Knights’ only in-state meet this year, before they pack up their spikes and hit the road for the remainder of the season.

About UCF Athletics
UCF is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference. Our mission is to positively transform the lives of our students academically, athletically, and personally through a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that enhances the reputation and visibility of the University. We strive to be Florida's preeminent athletic program representing UCF and our community with distinction on the national stage as "Orlando's Hometown Team". To learn more about UCF and Athletics, please visit our websites at www.ucf.edu and www.ucfknights.com.