Alabama’s Doris Lemngole: A Cross Country Star Shines Bright

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – For the third consecutive year, Doris Lemngole, the celebrated cross country runner from the University of Alabama, has secured her place as a finalist for the Honda Sport Award for Cross Country. This distinction, announced by the Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA), highlights Lemngole’s impressive athletic journey and continued excellence in the sport.

National Recognition

The announcement of Lemngole’s Honda Sport Award finalist status follows closely after she was named the National Athlete of the Year by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). This remarkable achievement marks her as the first female student-athlete in 14 years to earn the coveted national accolade for consecutive years. Such acknowledgments underline not just her talent but her steadfast dedication to her sport.

Alabama’s Legacy in Cross Country

Alabama’s cross country program has been thriving in recent years, with runners being selected for the Honda Sport Award a commendable seven times over the past six years. Lemngole’s recognition as the cross country program’s second winner last season exemplifies the standard of excellence that the university fosters. Her achievements resonate well beyond individual accolades, shining a light on Alabama’s robust athletic legacy.

Lemngole’s Achievements

Doris Lemngole’s list of accomplishments is both extensive and impressive:

• 2025 USTFCCCA National Women’s Athlete of the Year: An honor that symbolizes her outstanding performance throughout the season.
• National Championship Title: Lemngole claimed the individual national title at the National Championships, achieving the unprecedented feat of becoming the first back-to-back winner in the women’s race in over a decade.
• SEC Championships Victory: She successfully defended her title, showcasing her dominance in the southeastern region of collegiate athletics.
• South Region Title: Capturing her first individual title at the South Region Championship further solidified her status as a leading athlete.
• USTFCCCA All-American and First Team All-SEC Honors: These accolades recognize her exceptional contributions to her team and performance on the national stage.

A Competitive Field for the Award

Lemngole faces strong competition in her quest for the Honda Sport Award. She is joined by distinguished runners like Riley Chamberlain and Jane Hedengren from BYU, as well as Hilda Olemomoi from the University of Florida. These athletes were all selected as finalists based on their top four finishes at the 2025 NCAA Cross Country Championships. The competitive nature of the award reflects the high caliber of talent present in collegiate women’s athletics today.

Celebrating Women in Sport

The CWSA is commemorating its 50th year of honoring the nation’s top NCAA women athletes, a remarkable milestone that highlights superior athletic skills, leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to community service. The Honda Sport Award represents a significant recognition within this framework, as the winner will not only gain accolades for their athletic prowess but will also compete for the title of Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year and the prestigious Honda Cup.

The award ceremony, to be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network, is set for 6 p.m. CT on Monday, July 27. This event promises to be a celebration of not only individual achievements but also the broader advancement of women in sports.

The Future of Doris Lemngole

As Lemngole steps into the future, her accomplishments continue to inspire budding athletes, particularly women striving for excellence in sports. Her journey from a talented runner to a recognized athlete reflects the hard work, resilience, and determination that young athletes must embody to achieve their dreams.

Doris Lemngole’s story is still being written, and as she continues to break barriers in cross country, one can only anticipate the next chapters of her illustrious career. With her track record, it’s clear that her impact on the sport and her community will resonate long after her college years are complete.