CHICAGO – Graduate student Alessia Sarussi has qualified for the NCAA Division I First Round, earning a bid to compete in the women's 1500m run at the 2025 Track & Field West First Round. Sarrusi is believed to be the first Flames women's runner to compete at the NCAA First Round. The 2025 West First Round meet will take place on Thursday, May 29^th at 6:30 p.m. at Texas A&M. 
In the Flames' last meet at the MVC Outdoor Championships, Sarussi became UIC's highest overall finisher on the women's side and set a new school record in the 1500m with a time of 4:19.35, earning her third place, All-Conference honors, and ranking her 68^th within the NCAA. 

Brixton Rill '19, was the last UIC runner to qualify for the NCAA First Round for UIC. Rill qualified for the men's 3000m Steeplechase in 2017. Kellie Schuh '12, was the last women's qualifier for UIC. Schuh qualified for the women's pole vault in 2012. 

NCAA REGIONAL WEST INFORMATION
2025 NCAA Track & Field West First Round
Host: Texas A&M University
When: Wednesday, May 28^th – Saturday, May 31^st.
1500m Run – Thursday, May 29^th, 6:30 p.m. 
Live Results, Live Stream, Host Website, 2025 First Rounds
 
COACH'S COMMENTS

"Alessia has been an outstanding addition to our program this season, and we are extremely proud of all her accomplishments," said head coach Paul Zavala. "We are excited to see her compete against the best in the country and continue the legacy of being one of the best ever to represent our program."

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For more information on UIC's cross country and track & field programs, fans are encouraged to visit UICFlames.com, or follow the Flames on social media through X (@UIC_XCTF or @UICFlames) and Instagram (@UIC_XCTF or @uicflames).
 
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