Lions Place Fourth In State
FRESNO, CA --
The De Anza College women's cross country team delivered one of the strongest performances in program history on Saturday, placing fourth at the 2025 3C2A State Championships at Woodward Park.
The finish ties the program's best result since 2012 and officially marks De Anza as the top-placing Northern California team in this year's championship field.
The top-five finish also secures the Mountain Lions a place in the State Championship Program, permanently recording the team in the state's record books.
"Each year the top five teams are forever remembered in the program," De Anza head coach Andy Ponce de Leon said.
"It's a meaningful way to highlight a program's consistency at the top of the state. These ladies etched their place in history and set the benchmark to uphold year after year."
Competing against the best teams in California, De Anza delivered its strongest performance of the season, with four of the team's top five runners setting personal bests on the historic Woodward Park course.
Their collective effort showcased championship composure and capped a season defined by steady improvement, strengthened team culture, and breakthrough performances across the roster.
"This group has been finding their way all year," Ponce de Leon said.
"It is never easy navigating a coaching change, learning new processes, and adjusting to new expectations. Early on there were rough patches where we had to let go of some resistance in order to move forward. What they showed today is that real growth is possible when a group commits to it. That is what makes this finish so meaningful."
"De Anza is a place where any young woman can develop, regardless of where she starts. Our team is made up of students from all different backgrounds, and every one of them improved. We want this to be the home for cross country and track and field in California, a place where coaches know their athletes will be supported and cared for."
The Mountain Lions now turn their attention to the offseason, carrying forward the standard established by this year's group and laying the foundation for future podium-contending teams.
More Quotes from Coach Ponce de Leon
Sophomore Siena Pignataro (7th Place)
"Siena made the kind of improvement athletes dream about. She put in the work every single day, showed up with a positive mindset, and trusted the process. Her consistency is why she was able to showcase such a massive leap this year."
Sophomore Corinne Thelen (21st)
"Corinne is a talented athlete who is still just scratching the surface of what she can become. She is an absolute gamer when it is time to compete. She understands how to execute and get the most out of herself when it matters most."
Freshman Romy Kiessling (56th)
"Romy is a middle-distance speedster who stepped up in every way to help this group. She became the bridge that connected and pulled the women along in workouts and races. She was a tremendous late addition who elevated us into a top-five program."
Freshman Angela Ellis (64th)
"Angela was one of the great surprises of the state meet. Nearly cracking 20 minutes, she saved her absolute best for last. She went out smart, showed excellent composure moving through the field, and closed with one of the strongest finishes of the day."
Freshman Nathaly Bernal (80th)
"It has been fun watching Nathaly grow into a level she never thought was possible. She is still figuring things out, but her progress this year shows what she can become. She will be a strong runner for De Anza and a great teammate and leader moving forward."
Freshman Erika Pham (158th)
"Erika brings a big heart and a positive attitude every day. She continues to lay it out in practice and pushes the group forward. We are excited to see her continued growth heading into the track season."
Complete Results: