The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Blazers Ink a Pair to Begin 2020 Signing Class
12/3/2019 4:48:00 PM | Women's Cross Country, Women's Track & Field
BIRMINGHAM – The UAB cross country team and coach Matt Esche announced the official signing of Isabel Valenzuela and Kathleen Schellman as part of the Blazers' 2020 signing class on Tuesday.
"We are excited to add Isabel and Kathleen to our squad next year. Their leadership athletically, academically and as individuals will have an immediate impact on our team," said coach Matt Esche. "We do not need many athletes for next year as we return a very deep squad, but these were two individuals whose accolades and personalities fit in perfectly with our team culture. On the track, they will fill a small void that we have on our squad in the 5k/10k disciplines."
Valenzuela will join the Blazers after finishing her time at St. Paul's Episcopal School. The Satsuma, Ala., native clocked a personal best 18:21 in the 5k. when running track, her personal records include times of 5:16 in the 1,600m and 11:16 in the 3,200m.
"From the moment I stepped foot on campus, I knew UAB was the place I needed to go," said Valenzuela. "The team is amazing, and the academic staff is equally so, creating the perfect balance between academics and athletics that I was looking for."
Schellman hails from Atlanta, Ga. where she competes at Marist High School. She has a personal best in the 5k of 18:08. On the track, she's timed personal records of 5:09 in the 1,600m and 11:03 in the 3,200m.
"I chose UAB because both Coach Esche and the nursing program respect my dreams of running for a competitive collegiate team and attending nursing school," said Schellman. "Coach Esche's personal interest and belief in each runner promotes a positive team culture that I looking forward to joining. Go Blazers!"
For more information on the UAB cross country team, follow the Blazers on Twitter (@UAB_TF_XC) and Instagram (UAB_TF_XC).
"We are excited to add Isabel and Kathleen to our squad next year. Their leadership athletically, academically and as individuals will have an immediate impact on our team," said coach Matt Esche. "We do not need many athletes for next year as we return a very deep squad, but these were two individuals whose accolades and personalities fit in perfectly with our team culture. On the track, they will fill a small void that we have on our squad in the 5k/10k disciplines."
Valenzuela will join the Blazers after finishing her time at St. Paul's Episcopal School. The Satsuma, Ala., native clocked a personal best 18:21 in the 5k. when running track, her personal records include times of 5:16 in the 1,600m and 11:16 in the 3,200m.
"From the moment I stepped foot on campus, I knew UAB was the place I needed to go," said Valenzuela. "The team is amazing, and the academic staff is equally so, creating the perfect balance between academics and athletics that I was looking for."
Schellman hails from Atlanta, Ga. where she competes at Marist High School. She has a personal best in the 5k of 18:08. On the track, she's timed personal records of 5:09 in the 1,600m and 11:03 in the 3,200m.
"I chose UAB because both Coach Esche and the nursing program respect my dreams of running for a competitive collegiate team and attending nursing school," said Schellman. "Coach Esche's personal interest and belief in each runner promotes a positive team culture that I looking forward to joining. Go Blazers!"
For more information on the UAB cross country team, follow the Blazers on Twitter (@UAB_TF_XC) and Instagram (UAB_TF_XC).
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