The decision comes as the women’s golf program has faced challenges in recent years, struggling to maintain a full roster amid a statewide decline in participation. By introducing women’s cross country, MSJC aims to enhance athletic opportunities for female student-athletes and strengthen overall program enrollment.

“We are looking for opportunities to maximize our female participation within intercollegiate athletics, and from our data gathered through CCCApply, cross country seems to be a good fit for us,” said Patrick Springer, Dean of Kinesiology, Health, Nutrition, and Athletics.

The move aligns with local trends, as high schools throughout the district—from Beaumont to Temecula—have established strong cross-country programs. Springer hopes that MSJC’s new team will encourage these student-athletes to continue competing at the collegiate level while pursuing scholarship opportunities at four-year institutions.

“Participation is strong in our district, and our hope is that many of these female student-athletes will want to extend their running careers and give themselves an opportunity to earn a scholarship to the next level,” added Springer.

The new Eagle cross-country team will be based at the Menifee Valley Campus, which features a state-of-the-art training facility that was opened in Summer 2023. MSJC aims to recruit 10-20 student-athletes per season, maintaining its commitment to offering seven women’s intercollegiate sports alongside five men’s programs.

The California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) women’s cross-country season runs from late August through November. The college is currently conducting an extensive search for a head coach to lead the new program.

Interested student-athletes can complete a recruitment questionnaire on the MSJC Athletics website:

MSJC Women’s Cross Country Interest Form.

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For further information, please contact:
Andie Pasolini
Director of Public Information, Marketing, & Strategic Communications
apasolini@msjc.edu
Office: (951) 487-3060
Cell: (951) 768-4713

About Mt. San Jacinto College
Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) is a comprehensive community college serving a diverse student population of approximately 30,000 annually across a 1,700-square-mile area. With campuses in San Jacinto, Menifee Valley, Temecula Valley, and San Gorgonio Pass, MSJC provides accessible, equitable, and innovative educational programs. The college offers a wide range of courses and programs designed to meet the transfer requirements of four-year colleges and universities, supporting students in achieving their academic and career goals.

About MSJC Athletics

Mt. San Jacinto College provides a competitive and inclusive athletic environment, fostering academic and athletic excellence while preparing student-athletes for success at the next level. MSJC is committed to growing opportunities for student participation and remains dedicated to the advancement of intercollegiate athletics throughout the District.

The post Mt. San Jacinto College Athletics Announces Addition of Women’s Cross Country for 2025-26 Season appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Pregame festivities will be hosted in the stadium courtyard starting at 4 p.m. An exciting half-time performance will feature the Vista Murrieta High School band. These events are coordinated and supported by the MSJC Foundation, Student Life & Development, Outreach, and MSJC Athletics.  

The more than $50 million, three-story Athletics & Kinesiology Complex offers opportunities for all students, a training facility for MSJC athletics, and a place for the community to convene. This 30,722-square-foot complex boasts the field, stadium, press box, team rooms, kinesiology facility, training room, classrooms, beach volleyball court, and softball field. 

“We’ve been looking forward to our first game day in the stadium,” said Dr. Roger Schultz, Superintendent/President. “We are excited to rally around our athletes as they compete in the stadium, celebrate our graduates, and host fundraisers and other events with our community partners. This complex is a game-changer for our college and the communities we serve.” 

This state-of-the art facility will transform Eagle Athletics and support educational programs in health and wellness. Programs and courses offered in the complex are aerobics, yoga, body conditioning, first aid and CPR, self-defense, strength training, and sport psychology classes. The field provides space for exercise-walking and jogging courses and training facilities for the college’s intercollegiate sports teams. 

The new Athletics & Kinesiology Complex was completed this past spring, and the Eagles began training in the new facility this summer.  

“Having a state-of-the-art facility has made this an exceptional place for our players to develop,” Head Football Coach Casey Mazzotta said. “We are excited to give the community something to rally around on Saturday nights.” 

The Eagles football team is coming off two of their most successful seasons in the Mazzotta era as they won back-to-back American Mountain League Championships and in 2021 won the American Division title. In all, MSJC has appeared in a bowl game for three straight seasons.  

This year, the Eagles embarked on a new challenge as they compete in the National Division and the Southern League.  

“Our plan is to compete for a conference championship and to reach a bowl game,” Mazzotta said. “We know we are moving into one of the best, if not the best, conferences in the state, but we just need to stay focused and take it one week at a time.” 

An addition to the 2023-24 season is that all games will utilize cashless digital ticketing. MSJC student with a Student Government Association (SGA) sticker are admitted for free. General admission tickets are $10 and students, seniors over 65, and children under 12 are $7. Tickets must be purchased online through Hometown Tickets at msjcathletics.com/general/Tickets  A link to tickets is on msjcathletics.com under the “Gameday” tab and on @msjcathletics social media platforms.  

Parking is available in lots A, B, and E off La Piedra Road. 

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