University of Richmond Athletics
Richmond Cross Country and Track & Field Announces 2026 Recruiting Class
07/14/2026 | Cross Country, Women's Track & Field
RICHMOND, Va. – University of Richmond Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Lori Taylor and Head Men's Coach Steve Taylor have announced the addition of 19 outstanding student-athletes who will join the Spider Track & Field and Cross Country programs for the 2026-27 academic year.
The incoming class includes 14 women and five men from seven states, bringing impressive credentials to Richmond, including state champions, all-state performers, Nike Cross Country National qualifiers and championship relay contributors. Collectively, the group has accumulated more than 100 state championship top-10 finishes and numerous individual and team titles.
"We're incredibly excited to welcome this outstanding group of student-athletes to Richmond," Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Lori Taylor said. "This class reflects our commitment to attracting talented competitors who value excellence in the classroom, on the cross country course, on the track and in the community. They bring talent and versatility to our programs, and just as importantly, they embody the values and culture that make Richmond special. We are excited to welcome them to campus and look forward to helping them achieve their goals as they contribute to the culture of Spider Cross Country and Track & Field."
Head Men's Coach Steve Taylor believes the class will strengthen the tradition of success for Spider distance running.
"We look forward to this group of student-athletes joining our program," Taylor said. "This class brings championship experience, depth across event groups on both our men's and women's teams, and a passion for competing at the highest level. From state champions to national qualifiers, these athletes have demonstrated what it takes to succeed, and we're excited to see them continue their development as Spiders while contributing to our pursuit of Atlantic 10 and national success. We believe they will make an immediate impact while continuing our tradition of developing student-athletes who compete not just for Atlantic 10 championships but well beyond."
Women's Recruiting Class
Richmond's women's class features a balanced group of distance runners, middle-distance specialists and sprinters.
Elliana Agustin – Hanover High School (Va.)
A nine-time VHSL state championship top-10 finisher, Agustin was the runner-up in the 2024 outdoor 1600 meters and the 2024 indoor 3200-meter champion. She owns personal bests of 4:58 for 1600 meters, 10:45 for 3200 meters and 18:05 for 5K cross country.
Ruby Frazier – Fluvanna County High School (Va.)
Frazier joins Richmond after compiling 13 VHSL Class 3 state championship top-10 finishes, highlighted by a runner-up finish in the 1600 meters at the 2025 indoor state championships. Her personal bests include 2:19 (800m), 4:58 (1600m), 10:52 (3200m) and 17:56 (5K XC).
Isabella Gravina-Budis – Champlain Valley Union High School (Vt.)
One of Vermont's most accomplished middle-distance runners, Gravin-Budis recorded 15 state championship top-10 finishes and captured state titles in the 600 and 800 meters. A Nike Cross Country Championships team qualifier, she boasts personal bests of 59.29 (400m), 2:11 (800m) and 4:35 (1500m).
Kiera Lowman – Alleghany High School (Va.)
A six-time Virginia state champion and 17-time state championship top-10 finisher, Lowman established herself as one of the state's premier distance runners. Her résumé includes state titles in cross country and the 3200 meters, along with a state meet record in the 3200 meters. She enters Richmond with personal bests of 2:18 (800m), 5:02 (1600m), 10:29 (3200m) and 17:33 (5K XC).
Sarah Nacinovich – Chatham High School (N.J.)
Nacinovich strengthens Richmond's sprint corps with personal bests of 24.72 (200m), 40.27 (300m) and 56.14 (400m).
Audrey Neilson – Champlain Valley Union High School (Vt.)
Neilson was a two-time Nike Cross Country Championships team qualifier and amassed 16 Vermont state championship top-10 finishes, including the 2026 indoor state title in the 1,000 meters. Her personal bests include 2:18 (800m), 3:02 (1000m) and 10:28 (3000m).
Jessica Pendleton – Avon High School (Ohio)
A three-time Ohio state championship top-10 finisher, Pendleton enters Richmond with personal bests of 2:13 (800m), 5:14 (1600m) and 19:06 for 5K cross country.
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Aya Ryan – South Lakes High School (Va.)
Ryan brings outstanding versatility to the Spiders with seven VHSL Class 6 state championship top-10 finishes and runner-up performances in the 500 and 800 meters. She owns personal bests of 57.42 (400m), 2:08 (800m) and 4:58 (1600m).
Josie Schihl – Cuthbertson High School (N.C.) / Sequoyah High School (Ga.)
Schihl qualified for Nike Cross Country Nationals and accumulated five state championship top-10 finishes across Georgia and North Carolina, including a state title in the indoor 3200 meters. Her personal bests include 4:59 (1600m), 10:27 (3200m) and 17:58 (5K XC).
Ivey Shields – Maggie Walker Governor's School (Va.)
Shields earned three VHSL state championship top-10 finishes and posted personal bests of 5:15 (1600m), 11:27 (3200m) and 19:18 for 5K cross country.
Ella Solorzano – Union Catholic High School (N.J.)
A four-time Nike Cross Country Nationals team qualifier, Solorzano helped Union Catholic finish third as a team at the 2025 Nike Cross Nationals. Her personal bests include 4:52 (1600m), 10:38 (3200m) and 18:18 (5K XC).
Caroline Spain – Milton High School (Ga.)
Spain earned three Georgia state championship top-10 finishes, including a runner-up finish in the 3200 meters. She enters Richmond with personal bests of 5:06 (1600m), 11:10 (3200m) and 18:26 (5K XC).
Lucy Versen – Trinity Episcopal School (Va.)
A three-time state champion and 13-time VISAA state championship top-10 finisher, Versen has excelled in the sprint events with personal bests of 8.09 (60m), 24.83 (200m) and 40.65 (300m).
Peyton Walker – Deep Run High School (Va.)
Walker brings versatility in the middle-distance events after recording three VHSL state championship top-10 finishes and recently placing third in the VHSL Class 5 800 meters. Her personal bests are 59.75 (400m), 1:18 (500m), 2:17 (800m) and 3:04 (1000m).
Men's Recruiting Class
Richmond's men's class features five accomplished student-athletes with extensive championship experience.
Luke Andresen – Haddonfield Memorial High School (N.J.)
A First Team All-State cross country performer, Andresen helped Haddonfield win the 2025 NJSIAA Group 2 team championship and finish ninth at Nike Cross Nationals. He owns personal bests of 1:56.8 (800m), 4:10.8 (1600m) and 15:12 (5K XC).
Connor Bassolino – Oratory Preparatory School (N.J.)
Bassolino earned conference and county honors while posting personal bests of 4:15 for 1600 meters and 9:21 for 3200 meters.
Christian Buonopane – Westfield High School (N.J.)
Buonopane set a personal best of 1:54.74 in the 800 meters while finishing fourth at The Winner's Circle at The Horse Farm and won the 800 meters at the 2026 Union County Conference Championships.
Ryan Gibson – Haddonfield Memorial High School (N.J.)
Gibson captured the 2025 NJSIAA Group 2 Cross Country Championship and earned First Team All-State honors while helping Haddonfield win state group and conference titles and finish ninth as a team at Nike Cross Nationals. His personal best for 5K cross country is 15:04.
Carter Lineweaver – McLean High School (Va.)
A district champion and regional standout, Lineweaver enters Richmond with personal bests of 4:26 (1600m), 9:29 (3200m) and 15:56 (5K XC).
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The 2026 recruiting class reflects Richmond's commitment to attracting outstanding student-athletes who excel both academically and athletically. With accomplished competitors from across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, along with nationally recognized programs from around the country, the newest Spiders will add depth and championship experience across cross country and track & field.
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The University of Richmond Track & Field and Cross Country programs look forward to welcoming these outstanding student-athletes to campus and to the Spider family this fall as they begin their collegiate careers.
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The incoming class includes 14 women and five men from seven states, bringing impressive credentials to Richmond, including state champions, all-state performers, Nike Cross Country National qualifiers and championship relay contributors. Collectively, the group has accumulated more than 100 state championship top-10 finishes and numerous individual and team titles.
"We're incredibly excited to welcome this outstanding group of student-athletes to Richmond," Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Lori Taylor said. "This class reflects our commitment to attracting talented competitors who value excellence in the classroom, on the cross country course, on the track and in the community. They bring talent and versatility to our programs, and just as importantly, they embody the values and culture that make Richmond special. We are excited to welcome them to campus and look forward to helping them achieve their goals as they contribute to the culture of Spider Cross Country and Track & Field."
Head Men's Coach Steve Taylor believes the class will strengthen the tradition of success for Spider distance running.
"We look forward to this group of student-athletes joining our program," Taylor said. "This class brings championship experience, depth across event groups on both our men's and women's teams, and a passion for competing at the highest level. From state champions to national qualifiers, these athletes have demonstrated what it takes to succeed, and we're excited to see them continue their development as Spiders while contributing to our pursuit of Atlantic 10 and national success. We believe they will make an immediate impact while continuing our tradition of developing student-athletes who compete not just for Atlantic 10 championships but well beyond."
Women's Recruiting Class
Richmond's women's class features a balanced group of distance runners, middle-distance specialists and sprinters.
Elliana Agustin – Hanover High School (Va.)
A nine-time VHSL state championship top-10 finisher, Agustin was the runner-up in the 2024 outdoor 1600 meters and the 2024 indoor 3200-meter champion. She owns personal bests of 4:58 for 1600 meters, 10:45 for 3200 meters and 18:05 for 5K cross country.
Ruby Frazier – Fluvanna County High School (Va.)
Frazier joins Richmond after compiling 13 VHSL Class 3 state championship top-10 finishes, highlighted by a runner-up finish in the 1600 meters at the 2025 indoor state championships. Her personal bests include 2:19 (800m), 4:58 (1600m), 10:52 (3200m) and 17:56 (5K XC).
Isabella Gravina-Budis – Champlain Valley Union High School (Vt.)
One of Vermont's most accomplished middle-distance runners, Gravin-Budis recorded 15 state championship top-10 finishes and captured state titles in the 600 and 800 meters. A Nike Cross Country Championships team qualifier, she boasts personal bests of 59.29 (400m), 2:11 (800m) and 4:35 (1500m).
Kiera Lowman – Alleghany High School (Va.)
A six-time Virginia state champion and 17-time state championship top-10 finisher, Lowman established herself as one of the state's premier distance runners. Her résumé includes state titles in cross country and the 3200 meters, along with a state meet record in the 3200 meters. She enters Richmond with personal bests of 2:18 (800m), 5:02 (1600m), 10:29 (3200m) and 17:33 (5K XC).
Sarah Nacinovich – Chatham High School (N.J.)
Nacinovich strengthens Richmond's sprint corps with personal bests of 24.72 (200m), 40.27 (300m) and 56.14 (400m).
Audrey Neilson – Champlain Valley Union High School (Vt.)
Neilson was a two-time Nike Cross Country Championships team qualifier and amassed 16 Vermont state championship top-10 finishes, including the 2026 indoor state title in the 1,000 meters. Her personal bests include 2:18 (800m), 3:02 (1000m) and 10:28 (3000m).
Jessica Pendleton – Avon High School (Ohio)
A three-time Ohio state championship top-10 finisher, Pendleton enters Richmond with personal bests of 2:13 (800m), 5:14 (1600m) and 19:06 for 5K cross country.
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Aya Ryan – South Lakes High School (Va.)
Ryan brings outstanding versatility to the Spiders with seven VHSL Class 6 state championship top-10 finishes and runner-up performances in the 500 and 800 meters. She owns personal bests of 57.42 (400m), 2:08 (800m) and 4:58 (1600m).
Josie Schihl – Cuthbertson High School (N.C.) / Sequoyah High School (Ga.)
Schihl qualified for Nike Cross Country Nationals and accumulated five state championship top-10 finishes across Georgia and North Carolina, including a state title in the indoor 3200 meters. Her personal bests include 4:59 (1600m), 10:27 (3200m) and 17:58 (5K XC).
Ivey Shields – Maggie Walker Governor's School (Va.)
Shields earned three VHSL state championship top-10 finishes and posted personal bests of 5:15 (1600m), 11:27 (3200m) and 19:18 for 5K cross country.
Ella Solorzano – Union Catholic High School (N.J.)
A four-time Nike Cross Country Nationals team qualifier, Solorzano helped Union Catholic finish third as a team at the 2025 Nike Cross Nationals. Her personal bests include 4:52 (1600m), 10:38 (3200m) and 18:18 (5K XC).
Caroline Spain – Milton High School (Ga.)
Spain earned three Georgia state championship top-10 finishes, including a runner-up finish in the 3200 meters. She enters Richmond with personal bests of 5:06 (1600m), 11:10 (3200m) and 18:26 (5K XC).
Lucy Versen – Trinity Episcopal School (Va.)
A three-time state champion and 13-time VISAA state championship top-10 finisher, Versen has excelled in the sprint events with personal bests of 8.09 (60m), 24.83 (200m) and 40.65 (300m).
Peyton Walker – Deep Run High School (Va.)
Walker brings versatility in the middle-distance events after recording three VHSL state championship top-10 finishes and recently placing third in the VHSL Class 5 800 meters. Her personal bests are 59.75 (400m), 1:18 (500m), 2:17 (800m) and 3:04 (1000m).
Men's Recruiting Class
Richmond's men's class features five accomplished student-athletes with extensive championship experience.
Luke Andresen – Haddonfield Memorial High School (N.J.)
A First Team All-State cross country performer, Andresen helped Haddonfield win the 2025 NJSIAA Group 2 team championship and finish ninth at Nike Cross Nationals. He owns personal bests of 1:56.8 (800m), 4:10.8 (1600m) and 15:12 (5K XC).
Connor Bassolino – Oratory Preparatory School (N.J.)
Bassolino earned conference and county honors while posting personal bests of 4:15 for 1600 meters and 9:21 for 3200 meters.
Christian Buonopane – Westfield High School (N.J.)
Buonopane set a personal best of 1:54.74 in the 800 meters while finishing fourth at The Winner's Circle at The Horse Farm and won the 800 meters at the 2026 Union County Conference Championships.
Ryan Gibson – Haddonfield Memorial High School (N.J.)
Gibson captured the 2025 NJSIAA Group 2 Cross Country Championship and earned First Team All-State honors while helping Haddonfield win state group and conference titles and finish ninth as a team at Nike Cross Nationals. His personal best for 5K cross country is 15:04.
Carter Lineweaver – McLean High School (Va.)
A district champion and regional standout, Lineweaver enters Richmond with personal bests of 4:26 (1600m), 9:29 (3200m) and 15:56 (5K XC).
Â
The 2026 recruiting class reflects Richmond's commitment to attracting outstanding student-athletes who excel both academically and athletically. With accomplished competitors from across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, along with nationally recognized programs from around the country, the newest Spiders will add depth and championship experience across cross country and track & field.
Â
The University of Richmond Track & Field and Cross Country programs look forward to welcoming these outstanding student-athletes to campus and to the Spider family this fall as they begin their collegiate careers.
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Players Mentioned
/ Women's Track & Field
/ Cross Country
/ Cross Country
/ Cross Country
/ Women's Track & Field
/ Cross Country
/ Women's Track & Field
/ Cross Country
/ Women's Track & Field
/ Women's Track & Field
/ Women's Track & Field
/ Women's Track & Field
/ Women's Track & Field
/ Women's Track & Field
/ Cross Country
/ Women's Track & Field
/ Women's Track & Field
/ Women's Track & Field
/ Women's Track & Field
Friday, October 31
Friday, October 31
Saturday, August 30
Thursday, August 28