Eastern Wayne Today

Wayne State University head cross country coach Grant Lofdahl has announced the addition of two transfers for the 2024 women's cross country season. Joining the Warrior program are Jessica Denver from Imlay City, Michigan, and Taylor Hopkins from Sanford, Michigan.

Jessica Denver, a redshirt junior standing at 5-foot-3, previously attended St. Clair County Community College and Catawba College. In the 2023-24 season, she led St. Clair County Community College to an 11th-place team finish at the NJCAA Cross Country National Championship with a 49th-place showing (20:12.8). She also finished ninth as her team won their first MCCAA and Region XII titles. Denver's high school career included qualifying for the MHSAA Division 2 state finals in cross country all four years and winning the 2020 MHSAA pre-regional at Macomb Lutheran.

Coach Lofdahl commented on Denver's potential impact: "We knew that Jessica was a solid runner as a high schooler at Imlay City, and she's someone who can be a sleeper coming in as a transfer for us. She will focus on the mile, 1500, and 800, and with continued improvement can be a factor in the GLIAC in those events."

Taylor Hopkins is a graduate transfer with two years of eligibility remaining after earning her bachelor's degree from Northwood University in Management within two years through an Early Middle College program during high school. Standing at 5-foot-7, Hopkins competed in five meets for Northwood during the 2023-24 cross country season with her top finish being sixth at the GRCC Raider Invitational (19:22.5). She also placed tenth at the G-MAC Championship meet (22:51.9) and finished 43rd at the NCAA Midwest Regional (21:41.0).

Coach Lofdahl expressed his enthusiasm about Hopkins joining Wayne State: "We are really excited about adding Taylor to our squad this year. She is highly athletic and has just started to scratch the surface of her potential... With increased training volume and racing experience, the sky will be the limit for her at WSU."

Both athletes bring notable achievements and leadership qualities to Wayne State's women's cross country team.