Paloma Hancock, a sophomore All-American at Johns Hopkins and member of the Blue Jays' record-tying seventh NCAA Division 3 women's cross country championship team, joins DyeStat editor Erik Boal to reflect on her 21st-place finish Nov. 20 at E.P. "Tom" Sawyer Park in Louisville and contributing to a 130-132 victory over Claremont-Mudd-Scripps to match the seven titles achievd by SUNY Cortland from 1989-97. Hancock, a member of two California Division 3 state cross country championship teams during her prep career at Campolindo High, shares what the experience has been like celebrating her first national title and helping Johns Hopkins repeat as champion after the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the opportunity for the Blue Jays to defend their crown in 2020. She expresses how rewarding it was to see fellow All-Americans Ella Baran and Alex Ross both be part of their first national championship after having been sidelined during their careers with injuries and other medical issues, in addition to being part of the lineup with Ashley Heidenrich, Diana Vizza, Sara Stephenson and Lina Spjut. Hancock reveals how emotional it was learning about the result and how close the final outcome was, with Johns Hopkins producing the tightest margin of victory since 2006 and the third-lowest in NCAA Division 3 women's finals history. She shares the inspiration present to run for her teammates, especially in the final kilometer, when Hancock realized that Heidenrich was struggling and it was necessary for her to push forward to help neutralize the strength of Claremont-Mudd-Scripps in the top 25. Hancock explains how much pride she had to be able to pass Emily Clarke of Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, who was 26th overall, and help shift the final outcome in the Blue Jays' favor. She shares how impactful coach Bobby Van Allen has been early in her collegiate career and how significant it was for Johns Hopkins to race against several Division 1 opponents earlier in the season, especially in Louisville in October to prepare the Blue Jays for the national final. Hancock also draws comparisons among working with Campolindo coaches Chuck Woolridge and Andy Lindquist and her collaboration thus far with Van Allen at Johns Hopkins. She also revisits Campolindo winning a sixth Division 3 girls state title Nov. 27 at Woodward Park in Fresno. Hancock speaks about her challenging academic schedule, including a two-week finals period, with her academic emphasis in public health as well as a minor in history. She also shares her time spent as a volunteer and her work in the library, in addition to Hancock's excitement for competing in her first indoor track season in the winter and the possibility of competing on the distance medley relay at the NCAA Division 3 national final in March in North Carolina.