American River College’s Cross County Coach Melanie Cleland was named the 2025 Head Women's Cross Country Coach of the Year by the California Community College Athletic Association. Photo courtesy of American River College Athletics

SACRAMENTO REGION, MPG (CA) - The California Community College Athletic Association announced their selections for this year's 2025 Head Cross Country Coaches of the Year and American River College’s own Melanie Cleland was named the Head Women's Coach of the Year.

Coach Melanie Cleland is responsible for reviving the American River College women's cross country team in just three seasons at the helm. In fall 2024, the American River College women’s cross country team placed fourth at the state championship led by the All-American finish of freshman Alejandra Magana-Ramirez in seventh place and All-State finish by Alanna Laverty in 24th place.

From once struggling to be able to field a full scoring team just a year ago, the American River College women rose up in 2024 and placed second at the NorCal Championship and won the Big 8 conference title. Way to go Beavers and Coach Cleland.