ST. PAUL, Minn. – St. Catherine University Director of Athletics, Eric Stacey, has announced that Alisha Samuel is stepping down as head cross country and track & field coach after two seasons. This decision comes as she has accepted a new role coaching at Marist College in New York.

"I am sad to see Coach Samuel leave and I wish her the best as she moves on to another coaching opportunity", noted Stacey.  "I appreciate her work for our program and I have enjoyed working with her during these past two years."

During her time at St. Kate's, Samuel led the Wildcats to back to back 11th place finishes at the MIAC Cross Country Championships. Under Samuel's guidance, the Wildcat track & field team saw success during the 2023 outdoor season as Bryana Leverentz won the MIAC Championship in javelin throw and was selected to compete in the 2023 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Leverentz finished 12th overall with a mark of 39.68m in a field of 22 competitors. This past spring, senior Gabby Bodin finished fifth overall in the 100m hurdles at the MIAC Outdoor Championships. 

In the classroom, Samuel's student-athletes excelled as the cross country team earned the 2023-24 Department GPA Award while the track & field team saw sixteen student-athletes earn MIAC Academic All-Conference honors under her guidance. 

"I had an great opportunity to be amongst an amazing group of people", said Samuel. "I learned a lot and am grateful for the experience at St. Kate's. I will miss this place and will keep the team near my heart."

Stacey has appointed current assistant coach David Pieper as the Wildcat cross country and track & field interim head coach for the 2024-25 academic year.

Stacey commented "I am very grateful to have Coach Pieper as a part of our program and I am excited for him to take over as interim head coach.  I know he will work hard for both our cross country and track and field teams and that our student-athletes are in good hands."