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2025 Women's Cross Country Newcomers
The Roberts Wesleyan University women's cross country team will welcome eight new runners this fall.

Women's Cross Country Steve Bradley, Athletic Communications Consultant

Women's Cross Country Adds Eight Student-Athletes

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Roberts Wesleyan University women's cross country team will welcome eight new student-athletes for the 2025 season.

The class represents three states with six runners from New York, one from Connecticut and one from Pennsylvania.

Roberts opens the 2025 season on Sept. 6 at SUNY Brockport.

Let's meet the newest Redhawks:

Veronica Brewer



Year: Freshman
Hometown: Erie, Pa.
High school: Harbor Creek
Major: Accounting
Before Roberts: Four-time team MVP was selected Regional Runner of the Year at Harbor Creek High School. Received Class Act Leadership Award and Erie County Technical School Exemplary Student award. Participated in track and field, National Honor Society, Student Council, and Key Club. Volunteered at Hope on Horseback and was active in her youth group. Attended the Erie County Technical School for Cosmetology.
 Why did you choose Roberts? "I chose Roberts Wesleyan to continue my athletic and academic journey because of the community and Christian aspects of the school. I felt at home and at peace with my decision. I loved the girls on the team and Coach Dorr. The woods trail and smaller class sizes were also a big plus!"

Carissa Browne



Year: Freshman
Hometown: North Stonington, Conn.
High school: Wheeler
Major: Nursing
Before Roberts: Proudest moment in high school is being able to return to running after being out due to illness. Also participated in track and field, lacrosse and cheerleading. Involved with her church's youth program, Dramatical Arts, Choir, Chamber Choir, RISE, Model UN, Class Office, Student Government, and National Honor Society. Worked as facilitator at Rotary Youth Leadership Conference of Connecticut and received Presidential Award for grade point average.
Why did you choose Roberts? "I chose Roberts because I wanted to be at a Christian school where I could pursue both Nursing and running."


Lydia Demarest



Year: Freshman
Hometown: Rochester, N.Y.
High school: Northstar Christian
Major: Nursing
Before Roberts: Won 10 Section V titles and was valedictorian of her class at Northstar Christian Academy. Owns four individual records and two relay marks in track and field. Also played varsity soccer. Named Outstanding Female Senior Athlete and received the Senior Scholarship Award from the Private-Parochial League. National Honor Society member was an active youth group member and volunteer for her church.
Why did you choose Roberts? "Most importantly, God opened the door for me academically, athletically, and financially to go to Roberts Wesleyan. I also chose Roberts for the friendly environment and the great Nursing program."


Olivia Fesmire



Year: Freshman
Hometown: Youngstown, N.Y.
High school: Lewiston-Porter
Major: Education
Before Roberts: Overcame injuries to participate in cross country and track and field at Lew-Port. Finished fourth at Section VI Class B1 championships. Named a first-team Niagara Frontier League All-Star. Studies karate.
Why did you choose Roberts? "I really loved both the faith-based team and class environment. The education program here is really good and knowing someone already in the department that spoke very highly of it helped cement that decision. I also liked how tight-knit the team was and I had really good conversations with Coach Dorr that helped me find a place in the athletic department."
 

Michaela Goettel

Year: Freshman
Hometown: North Chili, N.Y.
High school: Churchville-Chili
Major: Nursing
Before Roberts: Finished 24th in the Section V Class A Cross Country Championships during her first season competing in the sport. Played four seasons of varsity soccer and was a member of record-setting 4-by-800 meter indoor and outdoor relay teams. Qualified for states in the 1,000 run. Member of Math League Squad, participated in Peer Tutoring and served as treasurer for National Honor Society. Active member of her church's youth group.
Why did you choose Roberts? "At first, I was drawn to Roberts Wesleyan's impressive cross country and track teams. This combined with their great Nursing program put it high on my college list. When I got the opportunity for an overnight visit I got to meet a few other girls on the team, and they are all so welcoming and genuine along with the rest of the staff. I also loved that I get to stay connected to the community I grew up in since Roberts is right down the road from my high school and I will still be able to attend my church."


Emma Lipa

Year: Freshman
Hometown: Snyder, N.Y.
High school: Amherst
Major: Pre-Occupational Therapy
Before Roberts: Finished second in Section VI Class B Championships while earning Honorable Mention All-WNY (Western New York) honors from The Buffalo News as well as first-team ECIC Division III. Qualified for Nike Indoor Nationals in the 800 meters and was on Section VI Intersectional Medley Relay Squad that finished fourth in the state. Named the Outstanding Athlete at Amherst. Earned the Seal of Biliteracy and Seal of Civic Readiness. Participated Sinfonia and Spanish clubs and was treasurer of Captains Club.
Why did you choose Roberts? "I chose Roberts because I loved the sense of community and strong academic and athletic programs. Roberts felt like home during the visits and I could picture continuing my academic and athletic careers here."

 
Solki Martin-Lacayo



Year:
Freshman
Hometown: Clymer, N.Y.
High school: Clymer
Major: Nursing
Before Roberts: Placed sixth overall as team captured the Section VI Class D Championship. First-team CCAA Small Schools All-Star qualified for Class D states all four seasons, finishing 34th as a senior. Member of 4-by-800 relay that set school record. Played flute in the band, sang in the chorus, and was a part of the social justice club, S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions) club, IMPACT club, vice president of the National Honor Society, and vice president of the Music Committee. Outside of school, served as a worship leader at Crossroads Fellowship and volunteered at Chautauqua County Footsteps (a Christian youth retreat).
Why did you choose Roberts? "I chose Roberts Wesleyan to continue my athletic and academic journeys because of the warm and welcoming environment on campus, the Christ-centered education, the devotion of the staff to the students, the opportunity to grow in my faith and the great athletics program." 

Rose Wilson

Year: Freshman
Hometown: Bergen, N.Y.
High school: Byron-Bergen
Major: Nursing
Before Roberts: Began running cross country as a junior in high school after switching from soccer. Placed seventh at Section V Class D Championships. Member of B-B's swimming and diving and track and field teams. Owns school records in the 5k, 3 mile, and the 4-by-800 relay. Participated in Steppin' Up club for community service, Student Council, and Genesee County Youth Court and Youth Lead programs. Played the flute for nine years and is a certified lifeguard. Active member of church youth group, who serves food to the community through the Foodlink Program.
Why did you choose Roberts? "When I visited campus, I met many amazing people who were supportive and encouraging. Roberts also has many exciting academic and athletic opportunities, which will contribute to a positive experience. I also really appreciate the Christian foundation at Roberts, so that I can grow spiritually as well as academically and athletically."
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Players Mentioned

Veronica Brewer

Veronica Brewer

Freshman
Carissa Browne

Carissa Browne

Freshman
Lydia Demarest

Lydia Demarest

Freshman
Olivia Fesmire

Olivia Fesmire

Freshman
Michaela Goettel

Michaela Goettel

Freshman
Emma Lipa

Emma Lipa

Freshman
Solki Martin-Lacayo

Solki Martin-Lacayo

Freshman
Rose Wilson

Rose Wilson

Freshman

Players Mentioned

Veronica Brewer

Veronica Brewer

Freshman
Carissa Browne

Carissa Browne

Freshman
Lydia Demarest

Lydia Demarest

Freshman
Olivia Fesmire

Olivia Fesmire

Freshman
Michaela Goettel

Michaela Goettel

Freshman
Emma Lipa

Emma Lipa

Freshman
Solki Martin-Lacayo

Solki Martin-Lacayo

Freshman
Rose Wilson

Rose Wilson

Freshman