The women’s NCAA cross country season is underway, and BYU has already set the standard for the team to watch in 2025. “We have a good, strong, returning class. They don’t feel this pressure. There isn’t this expectation,” head coach Diljeet Taylor said. For women athletes, being able to let go of outside pressure and just play the game is a great reminder to focus on personal goals and expectations instead of all the noise and comparisons. 

BYU’s approach to focus on growth over the pressure of performance is a reminder for all women athletes that success is harder to come by when over analyzing the need to perform perfectly, but comes easier when focusing on the process and personal growth. The Cougars have shown how big of an impact having great team culture can be, with their strength across the roster and leadership setting the tone for this season 

This team is full of depth, with junior Riley Chamberlain leading the way along with experienced returners completing this strong lineup.

Strong Start in Stillwater

This Friday, the Cougars had their second meet of the season running a 6K in the 2025 Cowboy Jamboree XC Invite finishing first against 18 other elite teams. 

Leading the Cougars and finishing second overall was Riley Chamberlain, a strong junior leader who has yet again set the tone with her consistency for the team. Before this meet, Chamberlain had claimed runner up again at the Autumn Classic in early September giving BYU a reliable front-runner presence early on in the season. 

BYU’s superpower isn’t just one frontrunner, though. It’s their depth. 

Senior Taylor Rohatinsky finished 4th overall, and juniors Jacey Farmer and Lexi Goff landed in 8th and 9th place. Having four top-ten finishers in this competitive invitational highlights the high level of talent that this team brings. 

What Sets BYU Apart 

“When you have women who are so purposeful in what they’re trying to do, that’s when magic happens,” head coach Diljeet Taylor said last year after finishing the season and as NCAA national champions. That same magic hasn’t faded. Instead, it’s the foundation for this year's team. 

Taylor speaking so highly of her team demonstrates that their big team wins aren’t just from one individual runner, but from the drive and mindset that each athlete brings to every practice and race. Beyond just talent, the strength of the Cougars comes from how hard the girls train each and every day to be the best they can. 

“We do not want to be flashy in September. We want to be tired. I’ve got a lot of pieces. I just want to build and make sure they are building championship habits,” Coach Taylor emphasizes. The mindset that she engraves and preaches to her athletes is holding every one of her runners accountable to share the same commitment and effort to provide the team success. 

Eyes On The Prize

BYU isn’t just trying to relive last year’s title. They’re also focusing on growth and consistency throughout the entire year. Their packed roster of experienced runners is certainly setting up the Cougars for a dominating 2025 season. 

Taylor also makes sure the girls stay grounded. For women athletes everywhere, Taylor shares a great message that the individual stats do not define the type of player an athlete is and what matters most is focusing on personal growth. Her own mindset sets an example for her athletes. “Just be where my feet are and stay present. Really focusing on the process, not getting wrapped up in the outcomes,” Coach Taylor says. 

This mindset will set up the Cougars for an extremely successful fall as they seek to win another national championship in November. 

#BYURunForHer

The culture that Coach Taylor creates at BYU brings athletes the opportunity to take a different approach and embrace the idea that progress over perfection is what drives long-term success. The Cougars set an example for us all by coming together under a common goal—and Coach Taylor at the helm keeps the energy rolling for the Cougars. 

Through the #BYURunForHer hashtag and team mantra, the Cougars show that they aren’t just running for the hardware—they’re running for each other, themselves, the younger versions of themselves, and for women athletes everywhere. As the team inspires women to push themselves and pursue their goals, VIS will be right behind them. 

The BYU mindset shows us all the power of women when we come together. So run for her, jump for her, play for her—whoever she may be.