SAN MARCOS, Texas — Senior Abigail Parra has been named the 2025 Women's Sun Belt Cross Country Runner of the Year.

The conference honor comes after Parra's dominant individual title performance at the Sun Belt Cross Country Championships.

Parra won the women's 5K race with a personal-best time of 16:52.10, finishing about 15 seconds ahead of second place. The runner-up was Texas State junior Alexia Tiscareno Macias, who finished in 17:09.40 and also set a personal best.

Parra has been consistent throughout the season. In addition to winning the conference individual title, she has recorded two top-10 finishes on the year.

Her mindset during the race was to stay composed and not start too fast.

"I just wanted to stay in control and be very calm. I have a tendency to go out too fast, so I approached the race with a slower start," said Parra. "You don't win the race in the first mile, you win it in the last mile."

"At two miles, my coach told me to take off and just see what happens. I took that and ran with it," Parra said.

Winning Sun Belt Runner of the Year wasn't a goal for Parra, but rather the result of consistent effort and progress.

"It means a lot. It shows the kind of program Texas State has built. To see how far we've come makes it even more special," Parra said. "I didn't come into the season thinking about awards. I just wanted to have a cross season I could be proud of, and it ended up being one of my best."

Looking ahead to the NCAA Regionals next week in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Parra kept her response short and focused.

"I just want to know that I can compete with some of the best girls in the region," Parra said.

Parra's cross country season continues as the Bobcats travel to Fayetteville, Arkansas, on Nov. 14 to compete in the NCAA Regionals.

For the latest updates on Texas State cross country, follow the team on X and Instagram.

2025 Sun Belt Cross Country Awards

2025 Women's Runner of the Year
Abigail Parra, Texas State

2025 Women's First Team All-Conference 
Abigail Parra, Texas State
Alexia Tiscareno Macias, Texas State

2025 Women's Second Team All-Conference
Nyomi Garcia, Texas State

2025 Men's First Team All-Conference
Henok Hagos, Texas State

2025 Men's Third Team All-Conferene
Anthony Parra, Texas State