Princeton University Athletics
de Jong Claims Ivy Women’s XC Athlete of the Week Honor
September 29, 2026 | Women's Cross Country
PRINCETON, N.J. — Junior Emma de Jong earned Ivy League Women's Cross Country Athlete of the Week honors Tuesday afternoon following a strong showing at Saturday's Meadows Challenge, where she led the 25th-ranked Princeton University women's cross country team in difficult, rainy conditions.
De Jong placed 21st overall in a field of more than 180 runners, crossing the finish line in 20:35.8 to pace the Tigers to an eighth-place team finish among 17 squads–which included individuals from No. 10 Alabama, No. 13 Penn State, No. 19 North Carolina, and No. 29 Villanova.
She helped Princeton finish as the highest-placing Ivy League team at the meet, ahead of Columbia and Cornell.
De Jong was one of three Tigers to finish among the top 50, joining Hannah Riggins (34th, 20:45.8) and Anna McNatt (40th, 20:52.4).
The weekly honor is the first of de Jong's collegiate career.
The Tigers return to action Friday at the 52nd Paul Short Run at Lehigh University's Goodman Campus, with the race scheduled for 10:15 a.m.
