ALBANY, Ga. – The Albany State University women's cross country team will begin its quest for a third consecutive Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) championship when the Lady Golden Rams open the 2026 season at the Julius Johnson Invitational hosted by Mercer University on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 9 a.m.
Coming off back-to-back SIAC Championships, the Lady Golden Rams enter the new season with their sights set on a three-peat as they look to continue their success under Head Cross Country Coach Robert Smith.
"We're excited to finally get the season underway," Smith said. "We know what the standard is for this program, and this first meet is not just about seeing where we are, but knowing where we want to be and where we are going. Our focus is on competing with purpose, executing our race plan and setting the tone for the season ahead. We understand that championships aren't won in the first meet, but the habits, discipline and mindset required to win the championship start now. This is our first test, and we're ready to Set the P.A.C.E."
Albany State returns a core group of runners with championship experience, led by senior Jayda Spikes. Sophomores Brea Vann, Faith Thompson and Sydney Haywood also return for the Lady Golden Rams after being part of last season's championship team.
With Spikes providing veteran leadership, the returning group will look to set the standard for an Albany State roster that features several new faces.
The Lady Golden Rams added Nyidjah Ives, a transfer from Bethune-Cookman, to provide another experienced runner to the roster.
Albany State will also welcome freshmen Je'Nya Harris, Jena Middleton and Charity Tukes, while newcomers Zaharia Sullivan and Mya Parks round out the group of additions looking to make an impact this season.
Saturday's Julius Johnson Invitational will provide the Lady Golden Rams with their first test of the 2026 campaign and an opportunity for the returning runners and newcomers to compete together as Albany State begins its journey toward another conference championship.
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ABOUT ALBANY STATE ATHLETICS
Albany State University is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II-level intercollegiate athletic program. The university currently fields teams in 12 sports: women's volleyball, women's tennis, women's cross country, men's and women's basketball, softball, men's and women's indoor and outdoor track and field, baseball, and football, with all teams competing in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).
