KELOWNA, B.C. - UBCO Heat women's cross country runner Lauren McNeil was one of 15 athletes to be named a player of the week by the Canada West conference on Tuesday afternoon.

McNeil, a native of Buxton, England, earns the recognition for the second time this season and fifth time in her Heat career. Her recognition marks the fourth time this season that a member of the Heat has been named a Canada West player of the week.

Women's Cross Country - Lauren McNeil (UBCO Heat)
2025 CW XC Championships: First place, 27:44.0 (8km)

McNeil captured individual gold at the 2025 Canada West Cross Country Championships in Victoria, dominating the field while leading from start to finish. She completed the 8km track in 27:44.0. The individual title continues a run of fine form for the Master's of Science (Sustainability) student, who won U SPORTS gold and Canada West silver a season ago. ?