HIGH POINT, N.C. – On Friday, September 4, at 8:15 p.m., the High Point University women's cross country team will begin the 2026 season at Elon University. With nine Big South Conference titles, the Panthers are aiming for a 10th this year.
 
Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Remy Tamer: "With this first meet, we are looking forward to competing with some of the younger guys and getting an idea of where they are. Any competition provides an opportunity to measure yourself against opponents, and in our sport, it provides an important measurement to see if we're on the right path to being ready for championship season in November. It also shows where we're strong and where we need work. We are looking forward to getting this data on Friday. The expectations for the team this Friday are to give themselves fully to their teammates and race with fire. Have fun and tear it up."
 
After serving as the head coach of the women's cross country team for the previous 10 seasons, Tamer is starting his first season as Director of Track and Field and Cross Country.

He still hopes to maintain their success in his new role. As an assistant coach, Anne Akagi-Koons begins her first season with the Panthers.
 
"Working with the men and women has brought no changes for race day," Tamer said. "No matter the team, the weather, the time, or the context, our goal is to be competitively excellent on race day. The only change is that there's a stronger sense of unity between the two teams this year, and we hope to build on that strength."
 
The Panthers will begin their season for the second time at Elon's Cross Country opener, where they placed fifth the previous year.
 
HPU has four retuners — Brianna Malone, Danielle Jensen, Cailyn Stine and Elizabeth Ritter — as Malone and Jensen were named First Team All-Conference following their impressive achievements at the Big South Conference Championships. After finishing first and second, respectively, Malone and Jensen are back to lead HPU.

Malone received the Big South Runner of the Year award and is a three-time Individual Champion. Jensen took second place at the Big South Championship breaking a personal record in the 5k with a time of 17:23.3.

The Panthers' newest runners are Isabella Gentille, Lauren Hagg, Ruth Meraferia, Tiffany Miller, Hayden Robinson, Ava Shook, and Maggie Whitham.

Make sure to follow the Panthers this season where they plan to claim their 10th Big South Conference Championship.