NCAA Cross Country Championships
Gans Creek Recreational Area Cross Country Course – Columbia, Missouri
Saturday, November 22, 2025
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DALLAS, Texas (SMU) -- Rose Mburu has consistently led the Mustangs in every meet throughout her first season at SMU, she has won Student-Athlete of the Week multiple times this season for her stellar performances, and this weekend, she will be the first Mustang to compete in the NCAA Cross Country Championships since 2018 – and she accomplishes this all as a freshman.
When Head Coach A'Havahla Haynes was recruiting for this class, she was drawn to Rose and her unmistakable passion for running and deep love for the sport. It is a family passion with her brother, Stanley Mburu, competing at a high level on the international stage.
"Her family's strong running background clearly shaped her drive and competitive spirit," Haynes said. "It was obvious she belongs in a program that matched her ambition."
Rose accepted an offer from SMU, bringing her from Kasuku, Kenya to Dallas, Texas. Throughout training, Haynes said she recognized Rose's greatest strengths are her character and mental toughness.
"She approaches every challenge with optimism, poise and a firm sense of what it means to put together a complete, intentional effort," Haynes said. "Her mindset is nearing on elite: calm under pressure, confident in preparation and committed to growth."
As a teammate, Senior Macey Hilton said Rose is supportive, encouraging and kind.
"Her impact on our team is great, and she is extremely positive, which uplifts everyone around her," Hilton said. "Rose is very driven, which has led her to this success. Training with her every day, I was able to thrive off her determination, which has allowed her to reach such success and be part of the NCAA XC Championships."
Rose ran a time of 20:02.2 at the South Central Region Championships last weekend to place sixth and secure an individual qualification for the national championship. Only 32 teams and 38 individuals make it to the NCAA finals. Achieving this as a freshman is a major milestone, Haynes said.
"At the South Central Regional, with one kilometer to go, she sat in ninth place," Haynes said. "Instead of settling, she made the decision to fight, moving into sixth and earning her spot at one of the most selective championships in collegiate sports. For a freshman, that is not just impressive, it is transformational for her development."
Rose said this achievement means a great deal to her as it has always been her goal.
"I committed a lot of effort to get here, and I'm truly grateful that it happened," Rose said. "I'm very happy to accomplish this as a freshman. It sets up a strong foundation for me and helps me understand what I need to focus on throughout my years here at SMU."
Haynes said Rose's qualification signals exactly where this program is headed.
"Rose is gaining experience on the biggest stage, and she'll return next year with nearly the entire team – aside from our outstanding senior, Macey Hilton," Haynes said. "This moment is laying the groundwork for a team that is building something sustainable and competitive at the national level."
The NCAA Cross Country Championships will take place on Saturday, November 22nd with the women racing at 9:20 a.m. on Mizzou's Gans Creek Recreational Area Cross Country Course. Haynes and Rose have clear goals for the race.
"Rose is a competitor through and through," Haynes said. "She's entering ranked just outside the top 40 – right on the edge of All-American territory. The goal is clear: put herself in the right race, compete with the best and work toward an All-American finish. Her job is to show up, trust her preparation and go earn it."
In addition, Rose said she also hopes to come away from this race with a new personal best time.
"I would first like to thank my coach and the entire support staff for making my cross country season smoother and more manageable," Rose said. "I also appreciate my teammates who have supported and encouraged me every single day. My advice is to work hard, trust the process even when it gets difficult, and always involve God in your plans."
