The team scoreboard turns 147, and the moment became priceless. As it turned out to be a definitive win for the BYU Cougars (Women’s Cross Country team) at the 2024 NCAA Championships. The air around Cougars exploded with excitement and celebration. Fans witnessed a pretty deep moment that touched their hearts. By the time the team crossed the finish line, their eyes could tell the overwhelming journey it had been, and with relief in their long breaths, they shared their moment. For Lexy Halladay-Lowry, Riley Chamberlain, Carmen Alder, and Taylor Rohatinsky, the victory was more than just earning a title. It was the fruit of years of hard work, perseverance, sacrifices, and a common dream turned into reality.

Above all, the win for the cougars is also a redemption story. Last year, they missed victory by a slight touch, which was heartbreaking for them. But with their sheer willpower and drive, they got back up. They understood that victory for them is more about creating a legacy. The emotional breakdowns weren’t just a reaction to winning—they were a release of everything they had worked for, endured, and believed in. Rohatinsky stated, “All I could do was cry because it just meant so much to us.” It was as if the magical yet excruciating moment stopped for them.

BYU Cougars: The race that changed everything

And that all unfolded during an interview with BYUtv Sports Nation. This victory didn’t come easy to BYU cougars, and the race itself was full of intense moments that pushed each one of their limits. Riley Chamberlain, who played a crucial role in the team’s success, described the race as one of the hardest challenges she’d faced in her career. Not to sideline the fact, National Championships marked the peak of collegiate career, and it was their last race as a team. She said, “It was such a rewarding moment, but also so emotional. I just started crying because it’s the end of our journey together as a team.”

Chamberlain’s emotions that poured reflected the pain and effort it took to get to this moment. No matter how much they felt exhausted, they continued to push themselves. It was bigger than any individual effort. Alder’s take on the race was overpowering with a sense of awe. “It’s something I’ve dreamed of for years, and to be able to say we’re national champions—it’s a dream come true,” she said. Her vulnerability and truth are heart-touching. Her feelings were crystal clear, not just in her words but in the tears that flowed. This power is what makes the BYU Cougars themselves.

Gratitude was the color of Taylor Rohatinsky, gleaming high. Tears that rolled down her face screamed the amount of love she felt for her teammates and the long road they had traveled to reach this point. “I’m just so grateful for this team, for everything we’ve been through together,” she said. “This is something we’ve worked for our entire careers, and to finally see it pay off is surreal.” For her and for the entire team, the race was not just for the win but for everything they had sacrificed to get there—a fountain of pure emotions that couldn’t be contained.

‘The perfect team doesn’t exis–’

In the aftermath of the race for BYU Cougars, the emotions still lingered. Halladay-Lowry said, “It’s overwhelming,” her voice quivering. “I couldn’t believe it. There was so much emotion, and I just started crying too. It’s been such a long road, and this was the culmination of everything.” Her words reflected not only the joy of the victory but also the immense emotional toll it had taken to get there. It was all so worth it for them; they did it!

For all of them collectively,  the years of shared experiences and emotional struggles that had brought them to this point were something out of this world.“It’s so much bigger than just today,” said Chamberlain. “The amount of support we have from each other, from our coaches—it all comes together in these moments. This championship is the culmination of all those small victories along the way.” It was a reminder that this win was built on a foundation of years of dedication, teamwork, and belief in each other.

As they continued to celebrate the victory and share their grief, it was clear that for each athlete, the tears reflected so much more than could be perceived and that only they could feel. The BYU Women’s Cross Country team’s emotional victory was about the heart and soul they poured into the race, the sacrifices they made, and the bonds they forged—for a lifetime. This moment will keep on living. Kudos to the strength of the team and the power and belief they have over each other.