PORTLAND, Ore -- The Portland Pilots Women's Cross Country and Track programs announced their rosters for the academic year, including 11 newcomers.

 

The Pilot women will be welcoming two transfers and nine freshman to their roster, many of which continue to add to the international flair the team has become well-known for over the years. 

 

"I am really excited about this group of newcomers we have added for the fall," said head coach Ian Solof. "Coach Mullaney worked very hard in recruiting this year and deserves most of the credit for such a strong class. We have a great mix of distance and sprints, and domestic and international athletes. I can't wait for everyone to be on campus and for us to get started in the fall!"

 

Two transfer students will be joining the Pilots this fall, including: 

 

Sai Sawant is coming to Portland from the University of Mumbai (India) as a graduate transfer, where she intends to compete primarily as a sprinter. While at the University of Mumbai, Sawant was able to post some impressive sprint performances, including times of 12.28 in the 100 meter and 25.09 in the 200. These times would rank her No. 3 and No. 4 in Pilot history, respectively. 

 

Maebh Richardson transfers to Portland from University College - Dublin in Dublin, Ireland. She comes in with freshman eligibility. While in Dublin, Richardson was able to post a mark of 10:00 for the 3,000 meter. 

 

Each transfer and freshman is expected to play an important role in continuing to take the Pilot programs to the next level. The Pilots also have an impressive freshman recruiting class of nine coming this fall. The freshmen class will be made up of primarily domestic talent with the exception of Fleur Templier, who joins the Pilots from Montfort Sur Meu, France. 

 

The Pilots will also welcome nine freshmen, including: 

 

Fleur Templier is a well established runner within France, having run impressive marks of 4:23 for the 1,500 meter and 9:20 for the 3,000 meter. Perhaps the most impressive feat of her career so far was her U20 Title at the 2023 French National Championships in the 3,000 meter discipline. Her marks would currently rank No. 8 and No. 6 All-Time for the Pilots. 

 

Janelle Avilez from Etiwanda HS in California joins the Pilot family after placing fifth at the California State meet in the 1,600 meter discipline. Avilez's senior track campaign was exceptional, posting times of 4:45 in the 1,600 meter, 4:29 in the 1,500 meter and 10:32 in the 3,200 meter. 

 

Brionna Holso from Rapid City Stevens HS in South Dakota has posted marks of 2:16 in the 800 meter, 4:57 in the 1,600 meter and 10:49 in the 3,200 meter. Capitalizing on her fitness in the 2022-23 year, Holso placed 7th at the NXN Heartland Region cross country meet held in Sioux Falls, SD. 

 

Izzy Lochtefeld of Northwest Eaton HS in Texas finished off her high school career with personal bests of 5:00 in the 1,600 and 10:55 in the 3,200 meter run. 

 

Madison Griffith from Arlington HS in Washington will join the Pilots with PRs of 5:08 in the 1,600 meter and 11:02 in the 3,200 meter. 

Avery Owen of Lakehill Prep in Texas comes to Portland with PRs of 5:37 in the 1,600 meter and 11:40 in the 3,200. 

 

Alenzia Frederick from Ironwood Ridge HS in Arizona will dawn the purple and white coming in with a personal best of 26.32 in the 200 meter dash.

 

Lola Richardson of King Kekaulike HS in Hawai'i comes in with marks of 13.18 in the 100 meter and 27.10 in the 200 meter dash. 

 

Finally, a local talent in Ly'le Pullom of Gresham HS will come to the Bluff with personal best marks of 13.06 in the 100 meter and 28.64 in the 200 meter. 

 

The Pilots will begin their season on Sept. 1 at the Lindfield Opener in McMinnville, Ore. For more coverage and info, visit PortlandPilots.com.
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