MESA, Arizona – Nov. 25, 2025 – The Mesa Community College (MCC) Women’s Cross Country team claimed its second consecutive NJCAA Division II National Championship, overcoming snow-covered terrain and challenging race conditions at Lakeside Golf Course in Fort Dodge, Iowa. The Thunderbirds earned 54 points to once again hold off Region I competi

MESA, Arizona – Nov. 25, 2025 – The Mesa Community College (MCC) Women’s Cross Country team claimed its second consecutive NJCAA Division II National Championship, overcoming snow-covered terrain and challenging race conditions at Lakeside Golf Course in Fort Dodge, Iowa. The Thunderbirds earned 54 points to once again hold off Region I competitor Paradise Valley Community College, one of the 10 Maricopa Community Colleges, solidifying their standing as one of the premier programs in the NJCAA.

This year’s championship roster includes student-athletes from across the East Valley: Olivia Baker (Chandler), Kinley Jackson (Gilbert), Lucy Melzer (Mesa), Katie Muñoz (Gilbert), Marissa Hernandez (Chandler), Evalyn Perez (Tempe) and Olivia Scroggins (Tempe).

Sophomore Kinley Jackson led MCC with a fifth-place finish (19:03.7), closely followed by freshman Olivia Baker in sixth (19:15.2). Katie Munoz added a ninth-place performance (19:25.0), Lucy Melzer placed 16th (19:52.2), and Marissa Hernandez secured 25th (20:23.4), earning All-American honors. Evalyn Perez (40th, 20:42.7) and Olivia Scroggins (68th, 21:29.3) contributed to the team’s steady performance and competitive strength.

Heavy snowfall throughout the morning produced slick and unpredictable race conditions. MCC Head Coach Daniel Pescador said the team’s discipline and preparation played a critical role in navigating the course successfully.

“Our focus was on consistency,” Pescador said. “The team relied on the training and teamwork that have defined our season, and their ability to stay composed in difficult conditions was key to this victory.”

As the No. 1-ranked team in the nation and defending national champions, Mesa entered with a spotlight as the top-ranked team. But rather than feeling the pressure, the group embraced it with confidence. 

"They did a phenomenal job," Pescador added. "They were calm and collected but also determined. There weren't a lot of nerves, just confidence and eagerness to get going. They really did a great job of keeping it together from start to finish."

“Back-to-Back Women’s Division II Cross-Country National Championships is an incredible accomplishment,” said John Mulhern. “Coach Pescador has done a great job leading both the Women’s and Men’s Cross-Country programs to National recognition both academically and athletically. He and his staff have continued to work hard and his student-athletes and Mesa Community College have benefited from their hard work.”

The team will be recognized during MCC’s 60th Anniversary Finale on December 3, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Community members are invited to attend. RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/59wrvenx.

With this back-to-back national title, the MCC Women’s Cross Country team continues to build on a legacy of excellence, adding another historic milestone to its record of top national finishes. Championships, schedules and other MCC Athletics news is available online at mesacc.edu/athletics.

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Media contact: Drea Yazzie, quindrea.yazzie@mesacc.edu, 480-432-6077

Mesa Community College (MCC), which is celebrating its 60th anniversary during 2025, is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving more than 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. MCC serves as a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest Indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges, supporting students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education, training and undergraduate research opportunities. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu/newsroom.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.