TALLAHASSEE - Crown them champions! The Florida A&M women's cross-country program boasts a new title Monday (Oct. 23) – 2023 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) champions. The women are the first FAMU team to garner that accomplishment this season and did so behind 63 total points.

Alabama State (72 points) and Alabama A&M (99) rounded out the top three.

On the team for FAMU, a program in only its second year, is Oakleaf High graduate and cross-country state medalist Sierra Barrera. Barrera, third team finisher, finished 10th overall as the Lady Rattlers put three runners in the top 10 of the 75-runner field.

"Sierra brought a level of intensity we did not have," said FAMU coach Tamika Kinchen. "Despite being the top runner, she worked every day as if she still had something to prove. Her teammates fed off that intensity and they all worked together to get us to where we are today. Sierra, along with the team, exceeded my expectations this season. I was fortunate to find in Sierra an athlete who does everything she’s asked of."

FAMU junior Serenity Williams placed sixth in the 75-person field and was the first Rattler to cross the finish line. Not only did she claim a new personal record, but the time (19:19:58.2) also captured her first sub-20 minute 5K. Freshmen Niya Coleman (20:25.9) and Sierra Barrera (20:45.7) also finished "Top 10" for Florida A&M, coming in at ninth and 10th place, respectively.

"Regarding track, I recruited Sierra primarily for the 1500 indoor and the mile outdoor," said Kinchen. "However, she’s expressed wanting to explore the 800 more."

Florida A&M earns its first women's cross-country title, as part of the SWAC, in just its second year of membership.