Cal State San Marcos’s Natalie Rodriguez, a junior from Santa Clarita California, has been named the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Runner of the Week for the week of Aug. 29-Sep. 4.

Rodriguez ran the fastest 4k in CSUSM history with a time of 14:11.5 at the Cal Poly Pomona CCAA Preview on Sep. 2.

Head Cross Country, Coach Steve Scott knows Rodriguez has a lot more in store for future meets. “That was a season opener, there is a lot more to come!”

Rodriguez is the first CSUSM runner to receive the CCAA Runner of the Week award. “She is very humble, you would never know what a great athlete she is. She could be the top five of any Division 1 program in the country.” Scott said.

Scott has enjoyed watching her grow into the athlete she is today.“Natalie has matured into a driven, dedicated athlete. Everything she accomplishes, she deserves! I am so proud of her!”

Assistant Cross Country Coach, Paige Mills is also overjoyed by Rodriguez’s achievement and looks forward to what else is in store for her.  

“I’m so pleased Natalie received this award as she is very deserving of it. The women’s team looks up to her, not only because she is our front-runner, but because she is humble too. She believes in this team and her goals. It’s inspiring to us all to watch her strive for them.”

Congratulations to Rodriguez! CSUSM looks forward to seeing what else this award-winning athlete has in store.

Cross Country’s next meet is Sep. 17th in the UC Riverside Invitational at Riverside.