Tallahassee State College Women's Cross Country Opens Season at Hoka Nights of Thunder

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – September 12, 2025 -  The Tallahassee State College women's cross country team opened their season with a strong showing at the Hoka Nights of Thunder meet, finishing 11th overall in the competitive women's 5K field at Apalachee Regional Park.

Racing under the lights in the unique evening format that gives the meet its name, the Eagles were led by sophomore Sarah Costello, who crossed the finish line in 75th place with a time of 24:34.8. The home venue advantage provided an exciting atmosphere as runners competed in cooler evening temperatures at the familiar Apalachee Regional Park course.

"It was great to get our season started at home under the lights," said coach Kara Guinan who enters her second season leading the Eagles. "The team showed a lot of heart in their first race together, and we're excited about the foundation this gives us for the rest of the season."

Orianna Madden followed as the team's second finisher, placing 86th with a time of 25:51.2, while Sada Bostick rounded out the top three for TSC in 90th place at 26:13.0. Abbie Mickelson (96th, 26:43.5) and Kaylee Sanders (102nd, 28:39.3) completed the Eagles' scoring lineup.

The Nights of Thunder meet provided an ideal season opener for the Eagles, allowing them to compete on their home course while experiencing the unique atmosphere of racing under stadium lights which is a rarity in cross country competition.

Tallahassee State College will look to build on this opening performance as they continue their season September 26th at the FSU Cross Country Invitational.

About Tallahassee State College Athletics For more information about Tallahassee State College athletics, visit tsceagles.com or follow @TSCEagles on social media.