The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
Stormy Seas Opener
Cross Country preview: Stormy Seas Opener
08.29.2025 | Track & Field / Cross Country
Sarah Smith will direct both the men's and women's programs.
AUSTIN, Texas - The Texas cross country programs will kick off the 2025 season at the Stormy Seas Opener in Georgetown, Texas, on Saturday, August 30.
This year's Longhorn roster will be anchored by senior leaders Elizabeth Pickett and Brighton Mooney for the women, while transfer Tadhg Donnelly, Nathanael Berhane, and Emmanuel Sgouros will lead the group of 10 men.
The 2024 Stormy Seas Opener saw Hudson Heikkinen claim the victory in the men's 5K with a time of 15:09.54 to help deliver a dominant 1–5 finish, securing first place in the team standings with just 15 points.
On the women's side, returning seniors Mooney and Pickett recorded times of 17:21.6 and 17:24.7, respectively—the top performances among returners. The women's team matched the men's success, also scoring 15 points to win the team title.
The 2025 season marks the first season both the men's and women's teams will be under the direction of Sarah Smith, who enters her third year with Texas Track and Field/Cross Country.
Hudson Bennett, Jack Boyd, Joaquin De La Cruz, Zain Hamdani, and Aidan Torres are scheduled to compete for the men starting at 8:00 a.m, with De La Cruz and Torres making their Longhorn debuts.
Natasja Beijen, Isabel Conde De Frankenberg, Lilly Fawcett, Ava Gilley, Gia Kurp, Mooney, Mia Perez, and Kaylin Rendon will be competing for the women starting at 8:40 a.m. Three Longhorn freshmen in Fawcett, Gilley and Perez will also make their Texas debut joined by sophomore transfer Conde De Frankenburg.
Players Mentioned
