Florida State University Athletics
Blade Captures ACC Freshman of the Week
10/21/2025 3:59:00 PM | Cross Country, Men's Cross Country, Women's Cross Country
TALLAHASSEE – Florida State cross country student-athlete Rylee Blade was named the ACC Women's Freshman of the Week for the second time this season on Tuesday. Blade becomes the first freshman to receive the weekly award twice in the same season since Elizabeth Funderburk in 2018.
"Excited to see more accolades coming in for Rylee," said FSU head coach Matt Kane. "She has established herself as one of the top runners in the ACC and one of our best runners each week. Looking forward to her first ACC Championship in a couple of weeks."
Blade continues to rise to the occasion as she competed at the Pre-National meet in Columbia, Missouri to close out her first collegiate regular season. Blade placed within the top-20, crossing the line in 14th with a time of 19:53.0 to help the Seminoles to a fifth-place overall team finish in the women's 6k. Florida State recorded its highest team finish under coach Cody Halsey and the highest since 2021 at a pre-national meet. FSU outlasted No. 3 Florida, who is currently ranked No. 1 in the South Region.
"Rylee is incredibly deserving of this honor," said FSU women's head coach Cody Halsey. "As a true freshman, she's shown electric focus, drive, and a relentless work ethic. She's constantly pushing both herself and those around her to be better. It's been really exciting to watch her compete with such grit and maturity. We're thrilled about what lies ahead for her and the team as we head into championship season."
Follow Florida State cross country on X and Instagram (FSU_Track).
"Excited to see more accolades coming in for Rylee," said FSU head coach Matt Kane. "She has established herself as one of the top runners in the ACC and one of our best runners each week. Looking forward to her first ACC Championship in a couple of weeks."
Blade continues to rise to the occasion as she competed at the Pre-National meet in Columbia, Missouri to close out her first collegiate regular season. Blade placed within the top-20, crossing the line in 14th with a time of 19:53.0 to help the Seminoles to a fifth-place overall team finish in the women's 6k. Florida State recorded its highest team finish under coach Cody Halsey and the highest since 2021 at a pre-national meet. FSU outlasted No. 3 Florida, who is currently ranked No. 1 in the South Region.
"Rylee is incredibly deserving of this honor," said FSU women's head coach Cody Halsey. "As a true freshman, she's shown electric focus, drive, and a relentless work ethic. She's constantly pushing both herself and those around her to be better. It's been really exciting to watch her compete with such grit and maturity. We're thrilled about what lies ahead for her and the team as we head into championship season."
Follow Florida State cross country on X and Instagram (FSU_Track).
Players Mentioned
Distance
/ Women's Cross Country
Distance
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