Ja'llian Paige delivered a memorable performance at the NJCAA Division I Cross Country National Championship, held in Richmond, VA. Out of a competitive field of 184 runners, Paige claimed 99th place, marking a significant achievement and an important milestone for Louisburg College's cross country program. This was the first time since 2018 that a Louisburg woman competed at the national championship, highlighting the program's return to high-level competition.
Paige started the 5k race with impressive speed, covering the first 2 kilometers in a swift 6:34, which placed her just outside the top 60 runners. Settling into her pace, she found her rhythm in the later stages of the race and crossed the finish line in 20:35, setting a new personal best by 11 seconds.
The individual title went to Elizabeth Ilanda of Odessa College, while Salt Lake Community College took home the team championship title. Paige's strong finish amidst a field of talented competitors underscored both her personal growth and the resurgence of Louisburg's women's cross country program.
Louisburg Head Coach Mo Ordonez commended Paige for her determination and resilience on such a grand stage. "Ja'llian has come a long way in her running career, and competing at Nationals was a major learning experience for her, it was the biggest race she's ever been a part of," Ordonez said. "I'm proud that she was able to cap off her Louisburg cross country career on such a big stage."
With the cross country season now complete, Paige's performance at Nationals serves as inspiration for her teammates and a promising step forward for the Louisburg women's program. Her hard work and competitive spirit have set a foundation for future success as Louisburg aims to build a lasting legacy in the NJCAA cross country landscape.