Jonker Qualifies for NAIA Nationals; WBU Places Third at AMC Championships

WALNUT RIDGE, Ark. (11/6/25) – Williams Baptist University women's cross country runner Marizenne Jonker qualified for the NAIA National Championships for the first time in her career as the Lady Eagles snagged a third place finish at the American Midwest Conference Cross Country Championships on Thursday morning.

Jonker earned the highest finish by a WBU runner in a championship meet in program history, and became the first to receive AMC All-Conference honors since 2015 after placing sixth with a time of 24:52.  

Sharon Strydom followed in 16th place with a time of 27:46, followed by Abigail Williams in 26th with a time of 30:56.

Kaedynce Miller finished the race in 34:27 to earn a 33rd place finish, Jillian Johnson followed right behind in 35th with a time of 35:19, and Rachel Dudley rounded out the team in 37th place with a 42:33.

As a team, WBU matched its highest placement in the AMC Championship meet in third place with a total team score of 103.  Columbia claimed the title with 23 points, and Cottey followed in second with 42.

As the third highest finisher not on the championship team, Jonker secured an individual spot at the 2025 NAIA Cross Country National Championship, becoming the first WBU runner  in program history to qualify for the national meet. The championship is set for Friday, Nov. 21 in Tallahassee, Fla.

After the meet, the league announced its 2025 postseason awards.  Sharon Strydom was tabbed as the AMC Newcomer of the Year, the first Eagle to earn the honor in program history.  

In addition, Jillian Johnson was named to the AMC Champions of Character team, and Rachel Dudley, Marizenne Jonker, and Abigail Williams were all named to the AMC Academic All-Conference Team.