Navy Women’s Cross Country Under Coach Kim Lewnes: A Powerhouse on the Rise
Under the guidance of Kim Lewnes, the Navy women’s cross country team has evolved into a formidable competitor. In just six seasons since her hiring in June 2019, Lewnes has transformed a once inconsistent program into a perennial powerhouse. This transformation is evident not only in the team’s performance but also in their academic achievements. The Midshipmen have clinched two Patriot League Championships and achieved four consecutive victories in the Star Meet against their rival Army. This dual success reflects a substantial commitment to excellence both on the track and in the classroom.
The buzz around the program is palpable. Fans have come together, celebrating victories and milestones online. One fan’s enthusiastic tweet—“🎉🎉🎉🎉🙏🙏🙏🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸💪💪💪💪💪”—captures the team’s growing following and the pride it instills in supporters.
“Coach Lewnes has brought a winning mentality to the program,” an academy official noted. “The numbers speak for themselves.”
Indeed, the statistics underscore this assertion. Since Lewnes took charge, the Midshipmen have a remarkable record, winning 24 out of 32 scored meets. In both 2021 and 2022, Navy claimed Patriot League titles, with Lewnes recognized as Coach of the Year in each season. The 2021 season was particularly notable, with Navy’s runners dominating the Star Meet—scoring just 20 points—which is tied for the program’s all-time best.
This remarkable performance has helped bolster Navy’s reputation regionally. The Midshipmen achieved seventh place at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship in 2021, marking their best finish since 2007. This upward trajectory signifies a team that is not afraid to rise to challenges.
Lewnes came to Navy with a wealth of experience, having previously coached at Johns Hopkins and Cornell. She introduced a data-driven training regimen focused on race strategy and physical conditioning. This modern approach has paid off, as illustrated by runner Emily Boutin’s historic win at the Patriot League individual championship—Navy’s first in over a decade. Boutin’s achievements off the course, including earning Academic All-America honors, showcase the dual focus of the program.
Boutin’s success encapsulates the essence of Lewnes’ vision: athletes excelling both athletically and academically. Under her leadership, Navy earned recognition as an All-Academic Team by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association after attaining a team GPA of over 3.0 alongside strong postseason performances.
Since taking the helm, Lewnes has guided 14 athletes to All-Patriot League honors, with key contributors like Elizabeth Sullivan and Maddie Warrender stepping up alongside Boutin. The fierce rivalry with Army remains a highlight, as seen in the 2023 Star Meet, where Navy triumphed in a fiercely contested race that came down to the wire.
“We train for these moments year-round,” Lewnes stated post-race. Her confidence in the team’s preparation is evident. The strategic emphasis on mental toughness and academic commitment is equally important. Navy’s athletes regularly appear on the Patriot League Honor Roll, underscoring the program’s dedication to molding all-around leaders.
Lewnes’ focus extends beyond the immediate season, with long-term strategies to bolster the team’s depth and performance. As she looks toward the 2025 season, the groundwork for sustained success is being laid. The recruitment efforts have expanded, attracting top-tier prospects who meet the demanding standards of the Naval Academy.
While the Midshipmen fell short of a championship title in the 2024 Patriot League Championship, their earlier performances against rivals showcased their strength, demonstrating that dual-meet performances matter just as much as championship standings.
The future looks bright for Navy women’s cross country. With a promising mix of experienced upperclassmen and talented freshmen, the team aims to reclaim the conference title and maintain their dominance over Army. The spotlight will be on standout runners like Olivia Lutkevich and Alex Wercinski, both of whom achieved All-League honors in 2023.
Coach Lewnes has reinforced that the mission of the Naval Academy transcends competitive success. It embodies the principles of character, resilience, and leadership. “Our job isn’t just to win titles,” Lewnes remarked. “It’s to shape future officers who know how to push beyond limits, lead teams, and fight for each other in all conditions.”
With an impressive record, dedicated victories, and continued academic excellence, Lewnes appears poised to uphold this mission. The Navy women’s cross country program is not simply a collection of athletes; it stands as a testament to the virtues of hard work, commitment, and leadership.
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