May 19, 2005

(San Francisco) - USF head cross country coach Helen Lehman-Winters announced the signings of three student-athletes to compete for the University of San Francisco in the 2005-2006 cross country and track season. Ashton LeSieur (Petaluma, CA), Michelle Born (Roseville, CA) and Jennifer Gross (Orange, CA) round out the second recruiting class for Lehman-Winters, who believes the incoming class will strengthen the women's track program and bolster the cross country squad.

"We are extremely pleased to be adding three talented women to our program. All will make an impact within our program and within the West Coast Conference," Lehman-Winters said.

LiSieur headlines the group after a standout career at Grande High School, under the direction of Carl Triola. A talented athlete on the course and on the track, LeSieur placed 18th at the 2004 California State Cross Country Championships, running the 5k course in 18:50. The two-time California State qualifier in both cross country and track was the Sonoma County League Champion in the 800, 1600, 3200 and 1600 relay. LeSieur owns personal bests of 4:59.71 (1600) and 2:19 (800).

A versatile athlete, LeSieur competed on the Santa Rosa United Storm Soccer Club and also played basketball at Grande.

""We are very excited to add Ashton to our cross country/track roster. Ashton is a well-rounded athlete who has tremendous potential," Lehman-Winters said.

Born competed at Oakmont High School under head coach Yuri Shallon and recently won the 1600 at the Bella Vista Distance Carnival. Born owns career bests of 5:02.33 (1600) and 11:00.91 (3200).

Gross competed on the cross country squad at El Modena High School for head coach Tom Weber. Gross captured third place at the Orange County Section Championships at 18:03 and was third at the CIF Southern Section Prelims at 18:44.