MEQUON, Wis. – The Concordia University Wisconsin Department of Athletics has announced Ainara Sainz de Rozas of the Concordia Wisconsin women's cross country and track & field programs as the recipient of the 2025-26 Female Career Achievement Award, recognizing a remarkable collegiate career defined by perseverance, steady progression, and championship-level success.
A senior from Madrid, Spain, Sainz de Rozas concludes her Concordia career as one of the most accomplished distance athletes in program history. She leaves as a NCAA National Champion, school record holder, five-time All-American, 10-time Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) All-Conference selection, and four-time NACC Champion. Throughout her four-year career, she consistently elevated her performance, improving by more than 10 minutes in the 10,000 meters, four minutes in the 5,000 meters, and two minutes in the 6,000-meter cross country distance.
Her senior season was among the most dominant individual campaigns ever produced by a Falcon student athlete. Sainz de Rozas rewrote the program record book, setting new school records in the 10,000 meters, 5,000 meters, and 1,500 meters. She also delivered a historic performance at the NACC Outdoor Track & Field Championships, capturing the distance triple crown with conference titles in the 10,000 meters, 5,000 meters, and 1,500 meters. Her outstanding efforts earned Female Track Athlete of the Meet honors and helped solidify her status as one of the premier distance runners in Division III.
Following the conference championships, Sainz de Rozas qualified for the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships in three events—the 10,000 meters, 5,000 meters, and 1,500 meters. Competing against the nation's best, she showcased both talent and resilience on the sport's biggest stage. After earning national runner-up honors in the 10,000 meters on Thursday, May 21, Sainz de Rozas returned two days later to claim the NCAA Division III National Championship in the 5,000 meters. Her performances capped off a season that established her among the elite distance runners in the country for Division III.
In recognition of her accomplishments throughout the year, Sainz de Rozas was named the U.S. Track & Field and Cross-Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) North Region Female Track Athlete of the Year. The honor highlighted a season that featured record-breaking performances, conference championships, national success, and consistent excellence from start to finish.
Beyond the accolades, Sainz de Rozas leaves a legacy on the Concordia Wisconsin track & field and cross-country programs. Through years of dedication, patience, and continual improvement, Sainz de Rozas transformed from a promising newcomer into a national champion and one of the most decorated student-athletes in Falcon athletics history. Her impact on the program will be felt for years to come, serving as a standard of excellence for future generations of Concordia student athletes.
The 2025-26 CUW Athletic Awards will continue throughout this week as follows:
Male Athlete of the Year Award – Wednesday (June 10)
Female Athlete of the Year Award – Thursday (June 11)
Locke Family Coach of the Year Award – Friday (June 12)
