CLEVELAND, Miss. – The Delta State University women's cross-country team is lacing up for what promises to be a competitive and exciting 2025 season. 

Entering her fifth year at the helm, Head Coach Britnee Smith is eager to see her team build on the progress made in recent years. "We are excited about the upcoming season. Our three returners are great kids who work hard day in and day out. They do any and everything they are asked! We are excited for our incoming runners, as well. We expect them to make a positive impact for our program instantly."  

The Lady Statesmen put together a strong campaign in 2024, earning multiple top 10 finishes throughout the season. Their best performance came at Blue Mountain University, where the team placed fifth overall. 

Delta State graduated one runner from last year's roster in Abby Covington and returns a solid core led by Emma Haley, Kayla Lofton, and Mackenzie Mercer. 

Haley, a 5-foot-6 junior from Hernando, was the team's top performer in 2024, leading DSU in all seven meets. She posted a season-best time of 21:57.10, consistently setting the pace for the Green-and-White. 

Lofton and Mercer return after strong freshman campaigns. Lofton, a George County native, recorded her best time of 23:49.30 at the Mississippi College meet, while Mercer, from Madison, finished as one of DSU's top three runners in six of seven meets. She clocked a season-best 24:34.43 at Jacksonville State University. 

The Lady Statesmen will compete in six meets this season, starting with the Mississippi College Opener on Friday, Sept. 5 in Clinton. The race is scheduled to begin at 6:45 p.m. 

For the full 2025 schedule and additional team coverage, visit GoStatesmen.com.