Nov. 23, 2023, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College runner Anna Tubbergen was recently named All-American by the NJCAA Coaches Association after a fantastic freshman campaign that included a personal record performance at nationals two weeks ago in Alabama.
Tubbergen, a two-sport athlete that also is a member of the women's basketball team, ran a 19:39 at the NJCAA DII Championship in Huntsville on Nov. 11, placing her 24th overall out of 279 runners.
Head coach Sharon Becker praised Tubbergen for her great work ethic. "One of the reasons Anna is as successful as she has been this season is because she did the training that needed to be done this summer - before our season officially started."
Becker continued, "Anna's determination and choice to work through the summer and the off-season set her up for the success she had. During the season, her drive to succeed in the goals she set for herself, her competitive nature, as well as always wanting to do her best, are reasons why she ran so well as a freshman. Her attitude and accomplishments at GRCC are a testament to others."
Tubbergen joined four other student-athletes who earned All-American honors for the women's cross country team.
Hillari Kirsch was the first to do it after finishing inside the top-10 at nationals in 1991 and 1992, including a program record third-place finish during her freshman year.
Stephanie Thomas achieved the feat in 2017 when she broke the school record with a time of 19:20 at nationals.
Becker's daughter Kiah earned the honor during her sophomore season at GRCC in 2020.
Audrey Meyering became the first GRCC athlete to be named a three-time All-American, winning the award in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Kaylee Scott earned her second All-American honor in 2022 after a season where she set the new school record with a time of 19:12.
"High School student-athletes can see a great example in Anna to the positive outcomes as a college student-athlete," Coach Becker mentioned. "I'm hoping that many more young student-athletes can hear of the great stories of our GRCC athletes, like Anna's, so they can learn more about their opportunities to study, compete and thrive after high school athletics."
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