Ozia Trujillo has made history at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) by becoming the first athlete from the school to qualify for the NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships. Trujillo, a sophomore, secured her spot after finishing 11th out of 202 runners at the regional meet on November 14, where she set both a program and personal record in the 6K with a time of 19:45. This marked an improvement of over a minute from her previous best.
She is scheduled to compete at nationals on November 22 in Columbia, Missouri.
“This is a moment I prayed for, and I’m so grateful to be heading to NCAA Nationals,” Trujillo said.
Throughout the fall season, Trujillo consistently performed at a high level within the Atlantic Sun Conference. She opened her season by setting a new FGCU record in the 5K with a time of 17:05.4 and later won the individual title at the Ed Holloway XC Classic with another strong performance in the 6K. Her efforts contributed to multiple ASUN Runner of the Week honors and led up to winning the ASUN Championship.
At that championship event in Jacksonville, Trujillo finished first in the 5K with a time of 16:20—a new conference record and FGCU’s first women’s cross country individual title since 2013.
“When I crossed the line, the first thing I said was, ‘thank you, God,’” she said. “Him giving me the ASUN record, winning, being first team and winning Runner of the Year — it was all such a blessing. The training I did from January leading up to this race was all worth it.”
Coach Argeo Cruz highlighted her commitment throughout this season. “We are very proud of Ozia. I don’t think people understand her determination to not just be a good runner but an elite runner. She has a big vision, and I think that was her driving force to wake up every morning and be consistent,” he said. “Their hard training over the summer and throughout the season really paid off. Ozia’s leadership and dedication have elevated everyone around her. They represented the Green and Blue with pride.”
Trujillo’s path to FGCU began before she joined when recruiting coach Alvaro Rivadeneira noticed her potential during Indoor Nationals last year. After visiting several schools including Nebraska and Portland State, she chose FGCU because it felt more personal.
“I visited Nebraska and Portland State, but when I visited FGCU, I knew I wanted to come here,” she said. “Every other school felt like we would just be filling a roster, but the FGCU coaches actually wanted to know about us.”
Her decision meant moving far from home in Kansas—nearly twenty-four hours away—but she found support within FGCU’s community.
“That was my biggest risk,” she said. “I left my family almost 24 hours away to come here, and it was really outside my comfort zone. I didn’t know anyone. But me getting out of my comfort zone was the best step I’ve taken.”
Now studying physical therapy at FGCU, Trujillo encourages others considering joining: “Anyone thinking about coming to FGCU should come,” she said. “It’s not just about the opportunities, it’s about how everyone here cares about you — not just when you’re here, but even after you leave.”
She credits trust in herself as well as faith for guiding her through challenges this season.
“Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something,” she said. “Step outside your comfort zone. I’m proud of what we accomplished. I know I have more to give, and I want to keep improving for my team and my school.”
Trujillo’s journey reflects significant achievements for both herself and Florida Gulf Coast University athletics.
