Virginia Track and Field and Cross Country Announce 10 Signees
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia director of track and field and cross country, Vin Lananna, announced Friday (Dec. 9) 10 new signees that will join the team for the 2023-2024 season.
“I am excited to announce an impressive group of men and women who will join the University of Virginia in 2023,” said Lananna. “Each of these student athletes will make an immediate impact as the UVA men’s and women’s track and field teams continue to develop into a championship program. We are thrilled to welcome them to Charlottesville.”
Tatum David
Coming to Virginia from Richland County High School in Olney, Ill., Tatum David qualified for both the NXN and Champs Championships in the 2022 cross country season. David took first place at the Midwest Champs Regional last season.
Gillian Bushee
Another cross country runner from Reston, Va., Gillian Bushee comes to UVA out of Herndon High School. Bushee was a VHSL Class 6 State Champion and qualified for the Champs Sports Cross Country Championships.
Cate DeSousa
A native of Oceanport, N.J., Cate DeSousa competed for Red Bank Catholic High School and comes to Virginia following a cross country season in which she qualified for the NXN Championships.
Aidan Cox
Another distance runner, Aidan Cox is a native of Northwood, N.H. and competed for Coe-Brown Academy. Cox finished seventh at the nationally competitive Running Lane Cross Country Championship in his junior season. Cox will join his sister Addison, who transferred to Virginia in 2022.
Alex Leath
A native of Vestavia Hills, Ala., Alex Leath will head to Charlottesville after an impressive career running for Vestavia Hills High School. Leath is a six-time Alabama state champion with three individual titles and three relays. Leath led his team to a cross country championship in 2022.
Ariel Fletcher
A native of the Commonwealth, Ariel Fletcher is from Virginia Beach and competed as a sprinter at Tallwood High School. Fletcher is an AAU Indoor national champion in the 400 meters.
Brooke’Lyn Drakeford
Brooke’Lyn Drakeford comes to Virginia from Piscataway, N.J. after competing for Piscataway High School. Drakeford was the NJSIAA Champion in the 400-meter hurdles in 2022.
Tori Daniels
A native of Valley Stream, N.Y., Tori Daniels comes to UVA as a sprinter out of Valley Stream South High School. Danials is a USATF indoor champion in the 200-meter dash.
Lola Kolawole
Lola Kolawole comes to UVA from Whitefish Bay High School in Whitefish Bay, Wis. As a short sprinter, Kolawole was a Wisconsin state runner-up in both the 100 and 200-meter dash.
Elsa Spoor
As a high jumper for Chatham High School in New Vernon, N.J., Elsa Spoor projects to be a heptathlete for the Cavaliers upon her arrival in Charlottesville.