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Leah Allen tabbed as cross country/track assistant coach
GREENSBORO, N.C. – UNCG cross country and track & field coach Linh Nguyen has named former Ashland University standout Leah Allen as assistant coach, he announced on Tuesday afternoon.
"I'm very excited to have Leah join the staff," said Nguyen. "She brings with her a wealth of experience as a high level student-athlete that should benefit our team moving forward. My goals for the program continue to be a step up to the next level and I'm confident that Leah can help us get there."
Allen has spent the past four years at Ashland University where she excelled in cross country and track & field, including being named an All-American this past season in the distance medley relay.
"I am truly excited to be joining the Spartan cross country and track staff along with Linh (Nguyen) and Steven (Hassen)," said Allen. "With the success that both the men's and women's teams have had recently, I feel very fortunate to be a part of this program and look forward to helping both teams reach the next level."
Allen found tremendous success while at Ashland as she earned All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) honors 12 separate times during her career. As a senior, Allen joined teammates Cheryl Bourne, Stephanie Stoffel and Steph Tinney to earn All-America honors at the Division II National Championships in the distance medley relay. She was also a member of the distance medley relay team that earned all-region honors her final season and captured the school record in that event, as well.
During her senior year, she finished in 13th place in the 1,500 meters at the Division II National Championships after turning in a school record in the event. Allen was also named All-GLIAC in the mile and distance medley in indoor track, while also turning in provisional qualifying times for nationals in both events. She received the same honors in both events as a junior, as well, while also adding an All-GLIAC nod in the 1,600 meter relay.
In outdoor track, she accumulated All-GLIAC honors in the 800 and 1,500 meters, while also being a part of the All-GLIAC 1,600 meter relay team as a junior and sophomore. She was also named the most valuable runner on her cross country team her sophomore season.
In addition to be a standout in competition, Allen was equally as impressive in the classroom. She was named All-Academic by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) as a senior, junior and sophomore in indoor track. She also earned the same distinction in cross country as a senior and junior.
Allen graduated from Ashland in 2011 with a bachelor's degree in child and family studies.
- UNCG -
