Women's cross country signs three for fall
Feb. 5, 2010
The Vanderbilt women's cross country program has signed three outstanding prospects for the 2010-11 school year, Head Coach Steve Keith announced today.
Keith said the three newest additions will strengthen a current squad that earned one of the team's highest finishes ever in the Southeastern Conference Championships and NCAA Regional Championships. The Vanderbilt women placed sixth at the SEC Championships and fifth at the NCAA Regional meet.
The signees are Elizabeth Anderson of Louisville, Ky., Kara Slavoski of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Megan Yohe of Liberty, Mo.
"We couldn't be happier with Liz, Kara and Megan coming into our distance program next fall," Coach Keith noted. "This will make up our fourth recruiting class since I have been at Vanderbilt and they will offer quality depth to a group of women who made some very nice strides last year. With good health and chemistry, I can see next year's team setting a new standard for Vanderbilt cross country."
Here are the signees for the 2010-2011 Commodores:
ELIZABETH ANDERSON
Louisville, KY
DuPont Manual HS
Distance / Cross Country 11:14 (3200) / 18:41 (5k)
KY 3A runner-up in the 3200 last spring (2009) in a personal best of 11:14...ranked 6th on the KY High School cross country list with her 18:41 for 5k last fall (2009)...also competes in swimming during the winter months...father (Steve) is an '82 graduate of Vanderbilt.
Coach Keith: "A very determined and dedicated runner, Liz is no stranger to hard work and has what it takes to be successful within our program and in the SEC."
Commodore Assistant Coach Rhonda Riley: "Liz is a diamond in the rough. She has so much raw talent and I'm excited to see her develop and reach her goals"
KARA SLAVOSKI
Colorado Springs, CO
St Mary's HS
Mid-Distance / Cross Country 2:14 (800) / 5:01 (1600) / 10:58 (3200)
At the 2009 Colorado 3A State Championships Kara finished 3rd (800), 2nd (1600) and 2nd (3200)...all of these performances were personal bests (note: Colorado HS meet is held at 5400' altitude)...in the fall of 2008 Kara finished 4th at the 3A State Cross Country Championships.
Coach Keith: "Kara has great potential and a very nice aptitude in the mid-distance events. She will complement our other milers well and really excel when she gets into SEC competition."
Coach Riley: "Kara is a very well rounded athlete. From her 800 speed to her 5k endurance she will be able to contribute in many ways to this team."
MEGAN YOHE
Liberty, MO
Liberty HS
Distance / Cross Country 2:18 (800) / 5:00 (1600) / 10:31 (3200)
Ranked #20 in the US in the 3200 (10:31.26) last outdoor season (2009)...State runner-up in Cross Country in the fall of 2008...finished 5th at the State Outdoor Meet in the 3200 (2009)...ran to a 3rd place finish at the Nike XC Midwest Championships (2008) with a time of 18:22 to qualify for the Nike XC National Championships.
Coach Keith: "Megan is a very talented distance runner and she should fit in well with our 3k/5k group as well as have an immediate impact in cross country."
Coach Riley: "Megan has a real passion for running. She is such a positive individual who will bring a lot of enthusiasm to this program."