CHARLESTON, S.C. –  College of Charleston head cross country coach Chris Bailey and head track and field coach Michael Tornifolio have announced the addition 18 new women and 5 new men to the programs for the 2025-26 seasons.

"Excitement builds as we welcome a promising group of newcomers to the men's and women's programs. Thanks to the leadership of our captains and other returners, our incoming freshmen and transfers already feel welcomed and supported," said Bailey. "We have worked hard to develop a positive team culture to attract and develop student-athletes that are primed to help us reach the next level."

"We are excited to welcome the class of 2025 to the team. We were able to add some much-needed depth in certain event areas to help us keep progressing as a program. Each athlete brings a positive energy that will continue to help us build a positive team culture. The team can't wait to welcome them on campus in a couple weeks." said Tornifolio. 

The Cougars welcome three women from overseas in Viktorija Calusic (Brisbane, Australia), Elaine Zhai (Auckland, New Zealand), and Tori-Ann Anderson (Addlestone, Jamacia). 

Included in the class of new recruits are four South Carolina natives in Gabby Brailsford (Fort Mill, S.C.), Laurie Ware (Charleston, S.C.), Lydia Metz (Lexington, S.C.), and Cara Grace Phillips (Greenville, S.C.). 

More on the Cougars' new additions can be found below:

Women
Lucy Alexander, Distance

• Sydney, Australia
• Presbyterian Ladies College

Tori-Ann Anderson, Jumps

• Addlestone, Jamaica 
• Jubilee HS
• High jump PR 1.72m (5-7.75)

Emily Birdsell, Mid-Distance

• Phoenixville, Pa. 
• Phoenixville Area HS
• 800m PR 2:17
• 1600 PR 5:12

Gabby Brailsford, Sprints

• Fort Mill, S.C.
• Nation Ford HS
• 100m PR 11.83
• 200m PR 24.30
• 400m PR 58.85

Viktorija Calusic, Jumps

• Brisbane, Australia
• Barker College
• 2023 Barker College School Sports Captain Award
• High jump PR 1.74m (5-7.75)

Kiley DeFusco, Distance

• Cumberland, R.I.
• Cumberland HS
• 5-time State Champion (outdoor 800m, indoor 1000m, indoor 1500m, outdoor 1500m, outdoor 3000m)
• Three-time Gatorade Player of the Year Nominee 
• 800m PR 2:09
• 1500m PR 4:29
• 1mile PR 4:52

Ava DeJoy, Mid-Distance

• Watchung, N.J.
• Watchung Hills Regional HS
• 2024-2025 HS team captain 
• 800m PR 2:24
• 1600m PR 5:10

Riley Fisher, Sprints

• Nashville, Tenn. 
• Independence HS
• 100m PR 12.35
• 200m PR 24.85
• 400m PR 57.08

Tatum Frith, Jumps

• Fort Collins, Colo. 
• Poudre HS
• 1^st place long jump at Mt Sac Relays (18'10)
• Long jump PR 5.46m (17-11.5)
• Triple jump PR 11.41 (37-5.25)

Trinity Jones, Sprints

• Chesterfield, Va.
• Monacan HS
• 120+ hours of community service
• 4x400m State Champions (2024)
• 100m 12.35
• 200m 24.85
• 400m PR 57.33

Lydia Metz, Distance

• Lexington, S.C.
• Lexington HS
• 2022 5A XC team State Champions
• 1600m PR 5:03
• 3200m PR 11:02
• 5k PR 18:34

Cara Grace Phillips, Distance

• Greenville, S.C.
• Greenville Senior HS
• 5k PR 18:22
• Holds HS 800m school record (2:23)

Mia Romer, Sprints/Mid-Distance

• Vienna, Va. 
• James Madison HS
• Alyssa Romer (Mia's sister) played soccer and ran track and field for Marymount University
• 2x All-State
• 6x All-Region
• 9x All-Conference 
• 400mH 1:04.20
• 800m 2:14.07

Allie Sanfelippo, Pole Vault

• Fall Creek, Wis.
• Fall Creek HS
• 30+ hours of community service
• National Honors Society
• Pole vault PB 3.90 (12-9)
• 3x State Pole Vault Champion
• #1 All-Time Wisconsin D3

Jackie Sides, Sprints

• South Pasadena, Calif.
• South Pasadena HS
• President of HS Black Student Union
• President of HS Women Against Sexual Harassment Club
• 400m PR 56.81
• 200m PR 24.90
• 100m PR 12.28
• 60m PR 7.88
• 300m PR 42.33

Gail Vaikutis, Distance

• St. Joseph, Mich.
• St. Joseph HS, University of Michigan 
• 5k PR 17:29
• 1600m PR 4:57
• 800m PR 2:11

Laurie Ware, Pole Vault

• Charleston, S.C.
• West Ashley HS
• Laurie's mother, Amy Maciariello, is a CofC alum
• Pole vault PB 3.56 (11'8)
• 3x Region Champion

Elaine Zhai, Pole Vault

• Auckland, New Zealand 
• Macleans College
• Ranked 1^st U20 New Zealand pole vault 2024, 2025
• Pole vault PB 3.90 (12-9.5)

 
Men
Will Buckley, Cross Country

• Washington, D.C.
• Gonzaga College HS
• William's mother, Lauren Buckley, is a CofC Alum
• 5k PR 15:17
• 3200m PR 9:31
• 1600m PR 4:27

Declan Byrne, Cross Country

• Ridgewood, N.J.
• Ridgewood HS, University of Memphis
• 8x NBA2K Esports National Champion
• 5k PR 15:09
• 3k 8:37

Thomas Flaig, Cross Country            

• Newton, Mass.
• Newton South HS
• 2023 XC Team Runner-Up
• 5k PR 15:27
• Mile PR 4:29
• 2 mile PR 9:19

Riley Hugues, Cross Country

• Atlanta, Ga.
• Whitefield Academy 
• Summa Cum Laude in HS
• 2024 County Runner of the Year
• 5k PR 15:56
• 1600m PR 4:26
• 3200m PR 9:43

Adrian Miller, Cross Country

• Palos Verdes Estates, Calif.
• Palos Verdes HS
• California State Seal of Biliteracy 
• 2025 Palos Verdes HS Athlete of the Year Nominee
• 2025 HS Track Best Dressed 
• 5k PR 15:32
• 3200m PR 9:30
• 3-mile PR 14:54