Congratulations to Rowan College cross country and track standout Courtney O'Hara, who has been chosen as Roadrunner Woman of the Year as part of the Annual National Association for Girls and Women in Sports Day celebration!
Roadrunner Athletics will honor Courtney, a sophomore, during Tuesday's Women's Basketball game vs. Northampton Community College.
The Annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) celebration on February 5, 2025 inspires girls and women to play and be active, to realize their full power. The confidence, strength and character gained through sports participation are the very tools girls and women need to become strong leaders in sports and life.
A former Gateway Regional High School athlete, Courtney led the Roadrunner Women's Cross Country teams to back-to-back Region 19 championships as well consecutive appearances in the NJCAA DIII Cross Country National Championships in 2023 and 2024.
Courtney emerged as an NJCAA All-American in cross country in Fall 2023, and earned USTFCCCA All-American honors in three track and field events (10,000m 4x400m 4x800) during the Spring 2024 NJCAA National Championship Meet. She also earned All-Region 19 recognition in cross country twice as well as in four events in track and field in 2024. Courtney was recently named Roadrunner Fall 2023 Women's Athlete of the Season.
Roadrunner Cross Country/Track and Field Coach Ryan Hughes had the following to say about Courtney: "She has embodied what it means to be a female athlete leader. Courtney has consistently set high goals and has not let anything stand in her way to achieve those goals. She continues to empower herself and her teammates with her determination and strength."
Courtney was on the President's List for Academic Success -- she achieved a 4.0 GPA, and graduated with a Health Science Degree in May 2024. She is now a student in the RCSJ Nursing Program.
"We are really proud to have Courtney in our program – she excels in the classroom and as an athlete," said Brian Rowan, Executive Director of Athletics. "She has helped lead our women's teams to successful seasons and she also helps on campus in our Academic Support Center. Courtney is balancing athletics this year with the rigorous schedule in our Nursing program and continues to excel. She exemplifies all that we look for in a Roadrunner athlete."
In a recent interview, Courtney noted that she appreciates the impact sports has had on her life.
"My experience here has been great and I've enjoyed all of my teammates," she commented. "I hope our achievements in cross country and track will inspire other female athletes who follow us here."