LYNCHBURG, Va. – In a remarkable achievement, Liberty redshirt senior Adelyn Fairley has officially qualified for the prestigious 2024 NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships, as announced on Saturday. She secured her spot in Madison, Wis., by delivering an impressive eighth-place finish during the intense competition at Friday’s NCAA Division I Southeast Regional Championships. This marking event highlights Fairley’s exceptional talent and determination, underscoring her status as one of the top competitors in the region.
Fairley’s outstanding performance not only showcased her individual prowess but also played a crucial role in helping the CUSA champion Lady Flames secure an impressive fifth-place finish as a team on Friday. This remarkable placement represents a significant achievement, matching the best regional showing in the program’s history. Despite the commendable effort, the team fell just short of obtaining an at-large qualification to the championships in Madison.
The 2024 NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships are set to occur on Nov. 23 at the esteemed Thomas Zimmer Championship Course in Madison. The women’s 6K race will kick off the event at 10:20 a.m. Eastern and will be broadcast live on ESPNU, allowing fans to witness Fairley and her fellow competitors in action.
Fairley stands out as the fourth and final individual national qualifier from the Southeast Region. Her qualification marks a significant milestone, as she becomes the first Lady Flame to reach the NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships since her former teammate, and now assistant coach, Calli Doan accomplished the same feat in 2021. This solidifies Fairley’s role as a trailblazer in Liberty’s cross country history.
In addition to her achievements this season, Fairley will be making her second appearance at the NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships. The talented athlete hails from Mears, Mich., and was part of Liberty’s first-ever women’s team to qualify for this prestigious event. She competed in the 2020 NCAA meet, which was held in the spring of 2021 in Stillwater, Okla., marking a pivotal moment in the program’s history.
Fairley’s final collegiate cross country season has already etched her name in the record books. She was instrumental in helping Liberty claim its first CUSA team championship and has earned her fifth career all-conference honor, which includes three from the ASUN and two from CUSA. Furthermore, she has secured her third all-region medal. Notably, her five all-conference awards and three all-region distinctions have tied program all-time records, further solidifying her legacy within Liberty’s athletic history.
What does qualifying for the NCAA Championships mean for Adelyn and Liberty University’s cross country program?
**Interview with Adelyn Fairley: Liberty University’s Cross Country Star**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Adelyn! Congratulations on qualifying for the 2024 NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships. How does it feel to secure your spot?
**Adelyn Fairley**: Thank you so much! It feels incredible to have qualified for the championship. I’ve been working really hard this season, and finishing eighth at the regional championships was such a rewarding confirmation of those efforts. It’s been a dream of mine to compete at the NCAA level, and now it’s becoming a reality.
**Interviewer**: Your performance was outstanding not only individually but also for your team. How did it feel to contribute to the Lady Flames’ impressive fifth-place finish?
**Adelyn Fairley**: It was a great team effort! I couldn’t have done it without my teammates and our coaches, who have supported us all season. We really pushed each other throughout the race, and to match the program’s best regional finish is such a special achievement for all of us. While we fell short of an at-large qualification, I’m proud of what we accomplished together.
**Interviewer**: You’ve showcased exceptional talent and determination this season. Were there any particular challenges you faced during the season that you had to overcome?
**Adelyn Fairley**: Every season has its ups and downs. This year, I dealt with some minor injuries and had to adapt my training accordingly. Mental toughness played a big role, too—staying focused and pushing myself during tough workouts was essential. I leaned heavily on my teammates during those times, and that support made a huge difference.
**Interviewer**: With the national championships coming up, what are you focusing on in your preparation?
**Adelyn Fairley**: Right now, it’s all about recovery and fine-tuning my training. I want to ensure I’m in the best shape possible, balancing workouts with rest. I plan to visualize my race strategy and stay mentally prepared, knowing that I’ll be competing against some of the best athletes in the country.
**Interviewer**: Lastly, what does qualifying for the NCAA Championships mean for you personally and for Liberty’s cross country program?
**Adelyn Fairley**: Qualifying is a huge milestone for me personally, as it’s a reflection of years of hard work and commitment. For Liberty’s program, this visibility on a national stage is important. It shows that we have the talent and determination to compete with the best. I hope it inspires future runners at Liberty to aim high and chase their dreams.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Adelyn, and best of luck at the championships! We’re all rooting for you.
**Adelyn Fairley**: Thank you! I really appreciate the support!
