Cross-country may not be the first sport people think of when they hear the word “team.” Spectators and viewers unfamiliar with competitive running usually point to the lack of a team dynamic in determining cross-country’s solidarity. At first glance, this statement does have some merit to it. You don’t have to pass a ball to your teammate or compete for playing time. However, many also cite cross-country as the ultimate team sport because the devotion and companionship displayed among runners is unrivaled in any athletic event. That would undoubtedly be the case for the women’s cross-country team at the University of Northern Iowa, where star runner Emma Hoins revs up her running journey. She leans on her faith, teammates and coaches to bring about her best self. Emma looks to guide a “very deep” Panther group as they aim to secure a Missouri Valley Conference Championship.
Hoins attended Waverly Shell-Rock High School, where she was a three-time all-state cross-country runner and set the Go-Hawk girls’ 5k record as a senior. Upon graduating, Hoins went to community college for one year before transferring to UNI.
She claims that the decision to become a Panther was a very “spur of the moment” experience, but the values the program holds made it easy. In fact, Hoins calls it one of “the best decisions [she’s] ever made.”
At UNI, Hoins has thrived on the course, placing in the top 25 at the MVC Championship meet as a sophomore and finishing in the top 15 as a junior. This year, she has climbed the Panther record boards and set numerous personal bests. To open the season, Hoins raced to a time of 17:23 over the 5k distance at the Cyclone Preview, which ranks as the third fastest time in school history. Most recently, she covered 6k in 21:11 at the Gans Creek Classic – the sixth fastest time ever run by a Panther-
Hoins attributes her achievements on the course to “not placing [her] identity in running,” but instead in her faith, which brings her freedom. Hoins also emphasized the importance of her teammates and coaches in running and life. “Team culture is at a really high level,” Hoins says. “We love each other really well.” Being a part of such a close-knit group feels like she’s “hanging out with friends” and allows her and the team to “lean into community rather than [our] own individual running.” Hoins and the rest of the UNI squad “feel strong every day” and will continue to support each other as they enter the back half of the season.
Remembering that running is something she does, not who she is as a person, has been crucial in Hoins’ journey as a student-athlete. Hoins enjoys serving on her church’s worship team and thrifting in her free time. She also loves getting opportunities to spend time with family. Although challenging, she tries to remind herself to prioritize rest whenever possible, as it can be easy to overlook. Hoins has also learned good study skills and “tries not to procrastinate” on her schoolwork to allow for a breath between running and her education.
Hoins and the rest of the Northern Iowa cross-country team are competing next at the Dan Huston Invite hosted by Wartburg College on Oct. 5. Following this meet, the Panthers have one more race scheduled before championship season begins. For the first time in eight years, UNI will host the MVC cross-country championships at Pheasant Ridge Golf Course on Nov. 1.
Hoins and the Panthers look to “make a lot of noise” in a pool of a lot of talent for MVC sweepstakes, and would love it if students came out to support. After all, “who wouldn’t want to come watch cross-country?”
