The Denmark Technical College women’s cross country team captured the 2026 New South Athletic Conference Championship on Saturday, Sept. 19, in Umatilla, Florida, led by individual champion Aiyanna Moses and a strong team performance that placed four Panthers among the top five finishers.
Moses claimed the conference title in the 4K race with a time of 19:59. Teammates Ciara Mustapher and Zanyah Shabazz finished second and third with times of 20:08 and 20:15, respectively. Denmark Tech placed five runners in the top 10.
“This championship reflects the talent, discipline and determination of our student-athletes and the leadership of our coaching staff,” said Eric Brown, Ph.D., president and CEO of Denmark Technical College. “These young women represented Denmark Tech exceptionally well, and we are proud to see their hard work rewarded with a conference championship. Their success is another example of what it means to be built for what’s next.”
The Panthers also earned four spots on the 2026 NSAC women’s cross country all-conference team. Moses and Mustapher were named first-team All-NSAC, Shabazz earned second-team honors and Saleese Kind received honorable mention recognition.
“These young women have put in the work from the beginning, and they believed in what we could accomplish together,” said Javon Gilliard, athletic director and head cross country coach. “Cross country requires discipline, endurance and a willingness to keep pushing when things get difficult. Seeing them finish together at the front of the field and bring this championship back to Denmark is something we are extremely proud of.”
“Winning the individual championship means a lot to me, but having my teammates right there behind me made the moment even more special,” Moses added. “We pushed each other in practice and throughout the season, and we went into the championship wanting to represent Denmark Tech well. To come home as conference champions and share this accomplishment with my teammates is something I’ll always remember.”
The conference championship adds to a growing list of accomplishments for Denmark Tech athletics and marks another milestone for the college’s cross country program.