YOUNG HARRIS, Ga | The 2024 season for the Young Harris College Women's Cross Country team was a year of transformation, resilience, and rising expectations. The Mountain Lions didn't need a podium finish to prove their progress. The 2024 campaign firmly established them as a growing force in Conference Carolinas and laid the foundation for a promising future. 

The highlight came at the Conference Carolinas Championship, where the team placed 9th overall, just five weeks after competing on the same course at the Converse Kick-Off. The difference in performance was noteworthy. Freshman Julia Hargrove led the way with a 6k time of 25:30.7, followed by fellow freshman Natalie Payne at 26:14.7. Their efforts helped the Mountain Lions post a team average of 27:09, a significant improvement from earlier in the season. 

"We were here five weeks ago and the transformation from then to now speaks to the character of our women," said Director of Track & Field/Cross Country Matt Logan in late October. "They were really good today. If they continue to run for each other and stay together, this group is going to be really good." 

That growth was evident in the numbers. Hargrove and Payne both set personal bests in the 4k, 5k, and 6k distances over the course of the season. Hargrove's 5k time of 21:27.7 at the Live in Louisville Classic was just shy of a top-10 all-time program mark. Payne, meanwhile, consistently improved and closed the season with a strong 27:23.2 at the NCAA Southeast Regional. 

For Hargrove, the 6k became her favorite distance. "It's the main distance of our conference and regional meets, and I feel more accomplished running the longer distance," she said. She also credited her mental approach for her success. "My mindset was to focus on my individual goals like placement, times, and effort. I relaxed by focusing on what I could do rather than what other teams had." 

Payne brought a unique blend of determination and calm to her races. "I really just get out there and go for it every time," she said. "I give it all I have, and I just don't make things that deep." As a local student-athlete, Payne took pride in representing her hometown. "Being a local college student, I enjoy representing the people who stayed close to home and saw growth still. I get to share the place I grew up with new people. It's not for everyone, but I think it's special." 

Looking ahead, both runners are optimistic about the team's future. "We're growing larger each year," said Hargrove. "We have more to prove being brand new to Conference Carolinas, and we have the numbers to do so." Payne echoed that sentiment. "We have a lot of people to prove wrong about us, and I think we're going to give it all we've got in 2025." 

The 2024 squad was defined by its development. From a third-place finish at the Young Harris Opener to a top-10 finish at the conference championship and a three-spot improvement at regionals, the Mountain Lions showed steady progress. 

"We experienced a year of tremendous growth. I think the ladies would agree that we aren't where we want to be as a group, but we are on our way," said Logan. "Last year created new expectations for our group this year and that's all we can ask for. The biggest change I've seen over the last 12 months is how we have transitioned from a collection of individuals into a team. That must continue and I am really excited with what we bring back and the newcomers for our program." 

Coach Logan praised the team following their top 10 finish at the Conference Carolinas Championships. We continue to see big improvement from our entire women's team. I love coaching this team." 

Both Hargrove and Payne shared favorite memories from the season. For Hargrove, it was the team's first Myrtle Beach trip during track. For Payne, it was the late-night van rides. "Probably one of my favorite memories was the girls team dance party in the van. The late-night drives headed back home are always a treat with my gals!" 

They also carried lasting advice from their coaches. "Being consistent with the little things; stretching, drills, abs, etc.," said Hargrove. "Go deeper off the deep end. See who follows," added Payne. 

And what might fans not know about this team? "When we run, we like to visit the horses, cows, and llamas as we go by," said Hargrove. "We get up for practice before the sun is up most days, rain or shine," said Payne. "Some days we work out three times a day. We give up a lot to be able to run the way we do." 

With a hungry, talented roster returning and a culture of commitment taking root; the Mountain Lions are poised to take the next step in 2025, one stride at a time.