Kappeler Tabbed to C-USA All-Academic Team

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Madlen Kappeler from the Florida Atlantic University women's cross country team has earned a spot on the six-person Conference USA All-Academic Team, as announced by the league office on Tuesday. This marks the second consecutive year Kappeler has received the honor.

"Hard work and dedication pays off," said head coach Alex Smolka. "I'm thrilled for Madlen! She puts in the daily work in the classroom and at practice. She is a role model, always leading by example. The fact that English is not her native language makes her achievements even more remarkable. She is a great representative of our university, as well as the cross country and track & field program!"

Kappeler has maintained a 3.949 GPA as an exercise science and health promotion major. The redshirt sophomore is a two-time C-USA Commissioner's Academic Medal recipient, two-time C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll member and a two-time President's and Dean's List honoree. Kappeler has also made the FAU All-Academic Team each semester.

On the course, Kappeler earned 11th place at the 2020 C-USA Cross Country Championships in the 6K (21:51.07), which was the best individual finish for an Owl at a C-USA Championship since FAU joined the league in 2013. Kappeler's finish at the Championships, which helped her achieve All-C-USA Second Team honors, was a big contributor to the Owls earning sixth place, their best finish at a C-USA Championship in school history. Additionally, Kappeler finished in sixth place at the 2020 Blazer Classic, as her 6K time of 21:11.38 helped her attain a new personal record and became the second fastest 6K time in program history. Kappeler was the top Owl finisher in both races this season.

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2020 Women's Cross Country All-Academic Team
Chandler Horton, Charlotte (3.862) - Civil Engineering
Madlen Kappeler, Florida Atlantic (3.949) - Exercise Science & Health Promotion
Erika Barrett, North Texas (4.0) - Biology
Grace Forbes, Rice (3.92) - Undeclared
Carlin Beal, Southern Miss (3.97) - Graphic Design
Haley Webb, WKU (4.0) - Mathematical Economics

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Madlen Kappeler

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