Redshirt junior Parker Valby certainly had a comeback in 2023 after 2022 had her so close to winning the national championship.
The Florida Gators track star finished 3.2 seconds behind NC State’s senior Katelyn Tuohy at last year’s national championship, but she would get her redemption this year as she became the 2023 NCAA Cross Country National Champion.
Valby finished the 6k first in 18:55.2 and set a new championship record, which was previously 19:19.5, set by New Mexico’s Ednah Kurgat in 2017.
She is going viral not only for winning the National Championship but also because of how extremely attractive she is.
“still processing this past weekend. i can not put into words how beyond grateful i am for this team and the entire gator family. i could not have done any of it alone. and to go from not having a team even qualify last year to placing 5th in the nation is truly so special. see you on the track <3”
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Finishing behind Valby was Doris Lemngole of Alabama, as Olivia Markezich of Notre Dame finished third, Hilda Olemomoi of Alabama fourth, and Tuohy of NC State fifth in 19:23 after having struggled with illness during race week.
Regional Athletes and Coaches of the Year for the 2023 NCAA Division I Cross Country season were announced this week and Valby and associate head coach Will Palmer were named the USTFCCCA South Region Women’s Athlete and Women’s Coach of the Year.
