HIGH POINT, N.C. –  High Point University women's cross country head coach Jenna Wrieden has announced the addition of four student-athletes that will compete for the program this fall.
 
The two-time defending Big South champion Panthers welcome incoming freshmen Emily Boger (Winston-Salem, N.C.), Charis Dinger (Manheim, Pa.), Kylie Hennessey (Waxhaw, N.C.) and Catherine Matteo (Manhasset, N.Y.).
 
"I'm very excited about this incoming class of freshmen," Wrieden said. "This group will help us create a strong and supportive work environment. All these women are very willing to put the needs of the program first to see how far they can achieve collectively in this sport."
 
Boger earned four letters in track & cross country at Ledford Senior High School in Winston-Salem, N.C. A four-time all-conference selection in cross country and three-time pick in track, she was named the Mid Piedmont Conference Runner of the Year and Female Athlete of the Year in 2016. She also garnered a trio of all-county honors in both track and cross country and led her team to county and conference track championships as a senior. Boger also garnered AP Scholar accolades in the classroom.
 
"Emily is a local talent and has perspective on what it means to be committed," Wrieden said. "She will bring a high level of character, work ethic, and academic commitment to this program. I'm looking forward to her future in this sport."
 
Dinger was a four-year letter winner at Manheim Central High School in Manheim, Pa., where she helped lead the Barons to a pair of Pennsylvania Section 2 Cross Country Championships (2013, 2015). She garnered cross country first team all-star honors and earned scholar-athlete accolades in both cross country and track.
 
"Charis is extremely charismatic and has a positive energy about her," Wrieden said. "Our program will benefit greatly from her energy and passion for the sport."
 
Hennessey starred for four years at Marvin Ridge High School in Waxhaw, N.C., the alma mater of former HPU Big South 3000m steeplechase champion Chris Colo. A four-time all-conference pick in cross country and two-time all-league selection in track, Hennessey also earned a pair of cross country all-region accolades and finished 10^th at the North Carolina cross country championship as a senior. As a result, she garnered all-state accolades and also garnered a pair of all-state track honors as a junior in the 3200m run (indoor) and 4x800m relay (indoor). She led the Mavericks to a pair of runner up state finishes in cross country (2013, 2015) and a North Carolina 3A indoor track & field title.
 
"It's important to have another local talent in Kylie," Wreiden said. "She comes from a strong high school program and understands a high level of commitment and putting the team first."
 
Matteo earned four letters in cross country and track at Manhasset High School in Manhasset, N.Y. An all-conference and all-county selection in cross country, Matteo also won her 2000m steeplechase county title as a senior and led her team to several cross country conference, county and division titles. She also garnered Manhasset's most improved athlete award from the athletic department in 2016.
 
"Catherine is relatively new to the sport, which is always an exciting prospect as a coach," Wrieden said. "I see a huge amount of potential in her and she is very willing to put in the work necessary to be successful."
 
The Panthers kick off the 2016 season at the Elon Opener on Sept. 1 at 6 p.m.
 
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