THIBODAUX, La. – Nicholls head coach Stefanie Slekis announced the addition of Elsa Rijpstra to the Colonels women's cross country and track squads on Tuesday.

"I am thrilled to add Elsa Rijpstra to our women's cross country and track and field teams starting next fall," Slekis said. "Elsa is an experienced competitor, having competed well on the national stage in the Netherlands in track and field and cross country and on the European and International level in obstacle running.

"The tenacity Elsa shows as an obstacle-running champion translates well to the sport of cross country where I am excited to see her push our team to new levels with her ability to train and compete to her full ability no matter what the elements are like or how difficult the course is.

"On the track Elsa has experience over the 1500m to 5000m distances and will be a great contributor to the team in multiple events. Elsa is also a strong student and plans to study a science major at Nicholls."

Hailing from Tjalling Koopmans College (Hurdegaryp, Netherlands), Rijpstra adds to a foreigner-filled roster, including seniors Ieisha Taylor and Lakeisha Taylor (Bahamas), sophomore Joyce Kiplagat (Kenya) and freshmen Julia Garcia Verges (Spain), Faith Keter (Kenya) and Lara Reifers (Germany).

Rijpstra has experience in the 15k distance at the European and World Championships for Obstacle Running. She also won the Sports Talent of the Year in the RTV NOF Sport and Entrepreneurs Election 2017.
 
To stay up to date with the Nicholls cross country squads, follow the teams on twitter @Nicholls_XCTF.