RICHMOND, VA – Virginia Union University's Natalie Young etched her name into the record books on Saturday by setting a new school record in the women's 6K with a time of 24:17 at the CNU Invitational held on Friday, September 12, in Newport News, Va. 

Young's performance broke the previous record of 27:02, set by Sarah Adams, and came in her very first 6K race of her collegiate career.

"This is an incredible accomplishment for Natalie in her first 6K," said VUU Head Cross-Country Coach Franck Charles. "She showed tremendous poise and strength, and we couldn't be prouder of the way she represented our program."

Virginia Union's women's cross-country team also turned in a strong collective effort. For many of the student-athletes, it was their first time competing at the 6K distance.

"Congratulations to our entire ladies' team for going out there and competing," Charles added. "For several of them, this was a brand-new experience, and I'm proud of the effort they showed. We still have areas to improve, but we'll grow and figure it out together."

The Lady Panthers will continue their 2025 season at the Blue Bear XC Invitational, to be held at Livingstone College on Friday, September 19.