Crimson Women Make History: Five All-Ivy Awards and Wales-Dinan Named Coach of the Year
The Harvard women’s cross country program reached a remarkable milestone at the 2016 Ivy League Heptagonal Championships, earning its first conference title in over thirty years. The event, held in Princeton, New Jersey, saw five Crimson runners earn All-Ivy League recognition and associate head coach Patrick Wales-Dinan honored as Ivy League Women’s Coach of the Year—a testament to both inspired leadership and the athletes’ dedication.
Breaking Through Barriers
Under Coach Wales-Dinan’s guidance, the Crimson delivered a performance that redefined expectations and rewrote school history. For the first time since 1985, Harvard’s women finished atop the Ivy League, each of the program’s top five finishers placing among the top 12. Their success wasn’t just about speed; it was about working as one and trusting the vision set forth by their coach.
Junior Courtney Smith led the team’s charge, capturing the individual title in 20:19.6 and becoming the school’s first Ivy champion since 1989. She, along with first-year standouts Erin Dietz (fifth place) and Judy Pendergast (sixth place), were named to the All-Ivy First Team. Freshman Lisa Tertsch (ninth) and junior Elianna Shwayder (twelfth) added Second Team honors to the Crimson’s impressive haul.
A Season Marked by Growth
Coach Wales-Dinan’s approach emphasizes more than just results—he roots for personal progress and a sustainable culture of success. The 2016 season reflected years of incremental development. Harvard leaped to 18th in the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association national poll—the highest ranking in program history. The Crimson also clinched the No. 2 spot in the Northeast Region, a first for the team.
Behind every performance was a foundation of trust, communication, and evidence-based training. Coach Wales-Dinan encouraged his athletes to blend hard data—splits, recovery, nutrition—with the art of teamwork and mental resilience. This mix not only brought wins but also allowed runners to thrive individually and together.
Recognition for Inspirational Leadership
When the Ivy League coaches voted, they recognized more than a breakthrough season; they honored years of persistent growth fostered by Wales-Dinan’s mentorship. Named Ivy League Women's Coach of the Year, he personified the qualities of adaptability, support, and strategic vision that had become the team’s backbone.
For Coach Wales-Dinan, the greatest victories come from watching athletes surpass what they believe is possible—both on the course and off. Under his mentorship, Harvard’s roster saw multiple All-Ivy and All-American honors, school and Ivy records, and a newfound program legacy.
The momentum from the Ivy League Championships powered Harvard into postseason competition and provided a blueprint for future success. As the Crimson looked ahead to NCAA action at Van Cortlandt Park, the bond between athletes and their coach offered confidence and stability.
Coach Patrick Wales-Dinan’s story at Harvard is defined by turning tradition into progress, by building not just runners, but resilient, confident, and inspired young leaders. The 2016 squad’s legacy is a testament to his vision—a vision that merges scientific precision with the deep human connection essential for greatness.
Through teamwork, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to each athlete’s growth, Patrick Wales-Dinan and the Harvard women’s cross country program have redefined what is possible on and off the racecourse, setting the stage for even more historic moments to come.
