ITHACA, N.Y. — Junior Emma O'Day has been named the Ivy League Women's Cross Country Athlete of the Week following a standout performance at the John Reif Memorial on Friday. O'Day claimed the individual title in the 5K, crossing in 18:44.3 and finishing seven seconds ahead of the field on Cornell's familiar Moakley Course.

O'Day set the tone early and maintained control throughout the race, showcasing confidence and strength as she powered through the home course in the final tune-up before the Ivy League Heptagonal Championships.

Reflecting on the victory, O'Day credited the home atmosphere and the final opportunity to sharpen skills before championship racing.

"It was great to have the energy of my teammates cheering me on and running on our home course, as well as the motivation of getting in a last good effort on some hills before Heps since Van Cortlandt Park is a notoriously hilly course," O'Day said.

This is O'Day's first Ivy League weekly honor of the season and comes at a pivotal moment for the Big Red as the team prepares for the conference championship meet in New York City.

When asked what the award means to her, O'Day emphasized the support system behind Cornell's success.

"It means so much. Being on this team and being surrounded by such incredible and hardworking women day in and day out just motivates me to put my best effort forward at every practice and meet," she said. "I am so thankful for all of our coaches and what they have done for us to help us get to this point. I am super excited for the team to see what we do at Heps this weekend. We have a really strong squad this year."

Cornell heads to the Ivy League Heptagonal Championships this weekend, where the Big Red will look to carry the momentum from their home finale into one of the most anticipated meets of the season.