INDIANAPOLIS- Freshman Megan Connell has been selected by the USA Track and Field (USATF) to represent the United States at the 2015 APA Pan American Cross Country Cup in Barranquilla, Colombia on February 22.

"Being able to represent the USA is going to be a great experience that I will never forget," said Connell. "Racing at Junior Nationals in Colorado last week was not easy, but it was definitely fun. The altitude was a factor that affected my teammates and I, but we were able to be successful regardless.  I'm so proud to be able to call myself an Explorer and this will be an incredible experience!"
 
The Langhorne, Pa. native earned the honor after competing last weekend at the 2015 USA Cross Country Championships in Boulder, Colorado where she finished in 11^th place with a time of 23:15 in the 6k race.
 
"I couldn't be happier for Megan to have the opportunity to represent the United States at the Pan American Cup," said Coach Peterson. "It is every athletes dream to represent their nation and for Megan to have earned that opportunity last weekend competing against 43 of the country's best cross country runners tells you about her talent and competitive spirit. It's an honor to have her represent the United States and La Salle on the international level, and I know she will make everyone back home very proud."
 
2014 La Salle graduate Alfredo Santana represented Puerto Rico at the 2014 Pan-American Olympic Festival in August and is currently training for the Pan-American Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Toronto this June. Connell will be the first Explorer to run in the Pan American Cross Country Championships.
 
Connell is coming off a season that saw her earn a spot on the Atlantic 10 All-Conference team thanks to her 12^th place finish at the Atlantic 10 Championships. She was the second Explorer to finish, and helped the team finish in second place overall. 

More information on the APA Pan American Cross Country Cup can be found through the USATF website.