Media, PA – University of Valley Forge cross country had plenty to celebrate at the United East Conference Championship, as seniors Sofia Troland, Nathaniel Gale, and Paul Nadrowski each earned Second Team All-Conference recognition for their outstanding performances.
Troland led the Patriots' women's squad with an exceptional 14th-place finish overall, crossing the finish line in 27:15.6 with a 7:19 average pace per mile. As the top finisher for Valley Forge, Troland earned 13 points in the team scoring and secured her place among the conference's elite runners. Her achievement marks a significant milestone in her collegiate career and highlights the continued growth of the UVF women's cross country program.
On the men's side, Gale delivered an impressive 10th-place finish, completing the course in 30:19.2 with a strong 6:06 pace per mile. Leading the Patriots' men's team with 10 points in the team scoring, Gale's performance demonstrated his development as a key contributor to the Patriots' program and his emergence as one of the top runners in the United East Conference.
Not far behind, Nadrowski also earned All-Conference honors with a stellar 14th-place finish, clocking 30:39.6 at a 6:10 pace. The senior's 14 team points helped solidify the Patriots' presence among the conference's best, marking a fitting culmination to his collegiate career. The one-two punch of Gale and Nadrowski showcased the depth and talent of the UVF men's program.
Both athletes competed against the top runners from across the United East Conference at the championship meet hosted by Valley Forge. Their Second Team All-Conference selections recognize them as among the conference's premier student-athletes in cross country.
The women's team saw strong performances throughout the roster, with Ava Mello finishing 30th overall (30:09.6), Danielle Horne placing 33rd (30:23.8), and Madison Naples taking 47th (33:30.5). The depth continued with Grace Schmidheini (53rd, 35:28.8), Mona Koko (54th, 36:16.1), and Mariah Lyon (55th, 36:21.1) all contributing to the team effort.
Beyond the All-Conference duo, the Patriots' men also demonstrated solid team depth. Sophomore Javier Soto Rodriguez finished in 45th (34:58.4), followed by freshman Dawson Bell in 47th (35:49.2), and sophomore Benjamin Schoonmaker in 57th (38:48.7).
As Troland, Gale, and Nadrowski complete their final seasons as seniors, their All-Conference honors cap distinguished careers with the Patriots and set a high standard for the program's future. The experience gained by the underclassmen competing alongside these senior leaders bodes well for continued success in the United East Conference.
