When Point Loma Nazarene University runner Maddie Reeves crossed the finish line at the California State San Marcos Invite earlier this month, she wasn’t expecting to set a new school record. She entered the season opener with a strategy to take things relatively easy, focusing on maintaining a consistent tempo. But the clock stopped at 20:48 for the 6K, and Reeves set a new school record.
This marks the third time she’s set the program’s 6K record, surpassing her own record twice, most recently from last season’s PacWest Championships when she finished in 21:05.9. She became the first Sea Lion to win an individual race since Zita Molnar in 2019, as Reeves beat her nearest competitor by 10 seconds. She was also named the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association’s (USTFCCCA) Division II National Athlete of the Week, becoming the first Sea Lion in PLNU women’s cross country to earn the award.
Reeves’ success marks a significant milestone in the program’s history, signaling a promising future for PLNU’s Cross Country Team.
“It was definitely a surreal experience,” Reeves, a fourth-year accounting major, said, reflecting on the moment she realized what she had accomplished. “I actually didn’t look at my watch the entire race. We had planned to start slower, so when I finally saw the time on the big clock at the finish line, I was shocked. I don’t think the media showed it, but I was smiling so big when I crossed. It just felt crazy.”
For Reeves, the record-breaking run wasn’t the result of a sudden burst of talent. It was the culmination of years of consistency, growth and an environment that has pushed her to new heights.
As a first-year in 2023, she made an immediate impact as a distance runner, posting solid times in the 1,500-meter and 5,000-meter races while earning PacWest All-Academic Honors. In her second year, she improved significantly, lowering her 5,000-meter time and securing Academic All-PacWest recognition once again. By her third year, she emerged as one of the top runners in the region, setting new program records in the 5,000-meter and 10,000-meter events, achieving a top three all-time spot in the 1,500-meter, and earning USTFCCCA All-West Region Honors. She also qualified for the NCAA Championships, where she placed 13th in the 10K.
“Iron sharpens iron — it’s cliche, but it’s true,” Reeves said. “The team culture at Point Loma has definitely fueled my growth. When one person gets better, we all get better. Having teammates who are motivated and a coach who encourages us to dream bigger than we thought possible has made all the difference.”
As she anticipates her final season, Reeves has her sights set on winning the PacWest Conference Championship, either individually or as a team. This year’s meet will take place in Hawaii. But the ultimate goal is making it to nationals, something the team hasn’t done since 2018.
Reeves said she is confident the Sea Lions can make it happen, especially with the strong contributions of the underclassmen on the team. First years Audrey Buckley (21:29.0) and Jocelyn Gibson (21:32.3) had impressive debuts, finishing seventh and 11th at the California State San Marcos Invite.
“I’m really proud of them,” Reeves said. “They’ve stepped up in huge ways, and I think if they see what’s possible, it’ll motivate them even more. We’re on a great trajectory as a team, and I’m so excited to see what we can accomplish.”
Head Coach Jake Poyner is in his second year leading the cross country and track programs. Reeves credits him for motivating and encouraging the team to accomplish their goals.
Poyner was hired as the director of cross country and track and field ahead of the 2024-25 school year, leading PLNU to immediate success.
A former NCAA Division I standout and experienced distance runner himself, Poyner brings both technical knowledge and a deep understanding of the athlete experience to his coaching. Under his leadership, the Sea Lions have seen steady progress, with program records falling, individual athletes reaching new personal bests and the team climbing both regional and national rankings.
“Maddie has been absolutely ‘can-do’ about anything she’s set her mind to, which has been in large part what’s helped her grow in the last two years,” Poyner said. “She’s unwilling to wait around for guarantees before taking risks in races.”
Reeves’ teammates have noticed this mindset, too. Grace Anderson, a third-year business major, said the shared goal of reaching nationals has united the group in powerful ways.
“Everyone has been putting in so much work both in and out of practice, and our common goal has really brought us closer together,” Anderson said.
To balance her school load, Reeves has developed a unique way to stay on top of it.
“I do a lot of cross-training on the stationary bike, and I’ll bring my homework with me,” Reeves said. “I’m literally doing homework every second I can. Planning out my days is essential. I mentally block off time for practices, classes and studying.”
On race days, Reeves has one vital ritual: half a can of Kiwi Guava Celsius.
“It has to be that exact flavor,” Reeves said, smiling. “It’s a lot of caffeine at once, but it keeps me energized. I don’t usually drink energy drinks, so when I do, it definitely works.”
Part of what motivates Reeves isn’t just the pursuit of faster times or trophies, but her faith. When she arrived at PLNU, running was more of a passion than a platform. Over the past four years, she has seen her athletic journey as something bigger.
“I didn’t come here expecting to break records or compete at nationals,” Reeves said. “But I really believe God put me here for a reason. Being on the Student Athlete Leadership Team has given me a voice to advocate for athletes, and our team does devotions together. We see running as a way to represent God. It’s a special opportunity to grow closer to him and to each other.”
Looking back on her career, Reeves said she would tell her first-year self one thing: “Stick with it.”
“I didn’t have success early on. Freshman and sophomore year were about building a base, and it wasn’t until junior year that I started seeing more results,” Reeves said. “But years of consistency really pay off. Now, as seniors, a lot of us who started together are competing for national spots. It just shows the value of patience and perseverance.”
Poyner said he sees those qualities as what make Reeves special.
“She’s a fantastic role model for our program and demonstrates exactly what we mean when we say ‘mentality before reality,’” Poyner said. “It’s been a blessing to watch her develop in exciting ways.”
After graduation, Reeves doesn’t plan to run at the professional level, but said running will always be part of her life.
“Running is my outlet, my stress relief,” Reeves said. “I’ll always keep doing it, maybe alongside yoga or pilates, just in a more relaxed way.”
For now, Reeves said she is focused on finishing her collegiate career strong, leading her team and enjoying the time she has left at PLNU.
“It’s been such a blessing,” Reeves said. “I’m just grateful for the opportunities, the teammates and the ways God has used this experience in my life. Breaking the record was amazing, but what really matters is the people I’ve shared it with.”
Cade Michaelson