Danielle Salcedo, freshman cross country runner at College of the Canyons (COC), has been named September’s Female Athlete of the Month by the California Community College Sports Information Association (CCCSIA).

Undefeated in community cross country events, Salcedo experienced a strong beginning to her collegiate cross country career, having won the 5K women’s race in every community college event she has competed in during the fall season, according to COC officials.

“It’s been exciting to watch Danielle each week and be a part of her tremendous start to the season,” said COC cross country and track & field head coach Lindie Kane. “Danielle brings a positive energy and competitive spirit to every practice and meet.”

Salcedo, a graduate of Saugus High School, ran to victory at the Moorpark College Invitatiational in August at 18:47.8, the COC Invitational in September at 18:58.09 and the Oxnard College Invitational in September at 18:08.6.

Finishing nearly a minute ahead of her closest competitor, Salcedo set a course record time at the Oxnard event, with her record-breaking performance helping COC finish in the top three standings during the meet, according to COC officials.

Collectively, the three performances helped push COC to finish second, first and second in each of the three meets, according to officials.

At the Master’s University Invitational in September, Salcedo also finished eighth overall with her 5K time finishing at 17:45.2, standing out in a field of 145 runners primarily hailing from NAIA four-year schools, according to a statement from COC.

“We are very proud of her success,” Kane said. “It’s an honor to see Danielle and College of the Canyons recognized by the CCCSIA.”

Most recently, Salcedo won the Mt. San Antonio College Invite held in October and her time of 6:08.8 topped the field of 70 runners and helped propel Canyons to a third-place team finish, according to COC officials. 

Salcedo is the sixth Cougar to receive the title of the CCCSIA State Athlete of the Month since the distribution of the award began in 2005.

She currently shares the title with City College of San Francisco quarterback Jack Newman, who was named the CCCSIA Male Athlete of the Month for September, according to CCCSIA officials. 

The Canyons’ next meet is scheduled on Oct. 22 at Legg Lake Park in South El Monte at the WSC Championships. The women’s race is set to begin at 1 p.m.

To stay up to date with the COC Athletic Department, click here.

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