The CUNY Athletic Conference and the US Army ROTC are proud to announce the 2013 CUNYAC/US Army Women's Cross Country All-Stars. After repeating as CUNYAC Champions, Baruch was able to earn three major honors with Nailya Nuralina earning Athlete of the Year, Rookie of the Year going to Maria Gronau, and Ariadne Mui nabbing Coach of the Year. CCNY's Christin Hu took home the Sportsmanship Award. The Bearcats nabbed five all-star honors while Hunter and John Jay earned three each, Brooklyn snagged two, and CCNY, CSI, and York took home one apiece.

Nailya Nuralina finished in first place at the CUNYAC Championships to solidify her place in Bearcat history as the first Baruch student-athlete to win the 6K CUNYAC race. Nuralina was consistently among the top ladies competing throughout the conference with strong finishes at every stop along the way. Her championship run was particularly remarkable as she made up significant ground in the second half of the race to jump from outside the top three to blowing them away by the end.

“I am so glad that I joined the Baruch Cross Country Team," said Nuralina. "Every one of them helped me to get to the top and win the race, by their motivation, determination and emotional support. Coach Ariadne Mui obviously had a huge impact on my achievements. She strongly believed in me and taught me to never give up. So even if the season was too short, it was very productive. Some of the factors that made me win are daily practices, setting my mind to be a winner and believing that everything is possible.”

Maria Gronau was not only one of CUNYAC’s best rookie but one of its top runners. The 3-time CUNYAC Rookie of the Week in second place overall at the CUNYAC Championship only behind her teammate Nuralina. She began competing at Baruch a little later than most student-athletes but quickly stood out amongst the best with times that stood out in a conference with many experienced runners.

"When I joined the Cross Country team, I felt like I was part of the team right from the very beginning," said Gronau. "All the girls and coaches were so welcoming towards me.  I am a very competitive person by nature, so as the season progressed, I pushed myself hard to beat the other rookies. My most rewarding moment was coming in 2nd at Champs and it was so exciting for me because it was my first season on a college team.  I am so happy that we won and we had such a successful season and proud to tell my friends and family back home in Germany!"

Ariadne Mui led the Bearcats to a repeat championship and their fourth championship in team history; all of which have been won under her. Her recruiting ability and coaching prowess have helped talented ladies improve their times seemingly ever meet. This season was a particularly strong one for the Bearcats as their runners made up five of the top 15 at the CUNYAC Championship and included both the Athlete and Rookie of the Year.

"I couldnt have asked for a better season," said Mui. "It was an honor and privilege to coach such a great group of athletes this year. Their hard work and dedication, day-in and day-out, made my job as their Coach such a rewarding one. I am extremely proud of this team and all of our achievements this season. Although I am sad to see my top runners Sara and Tracy who have been with me for 4 years and Nailya (for 2 years) graduate, I am excited to see how next season unfolds for our returning runners Maria, Lina, Svetlana and Sophia as they fight to defend our Championship title.  It is so bitter sweet."

Christin Hu is captain for the Beavers and is a key component to much of what the team does. Hu helps keep the team organized and has helped promote both the team and its meets to the broader CCNY population. Her positivity and warm-hearted persona rubs off on both her teammates and her opponents.