PRINCETON, N.J. — Associate Head Coach Patrick Wales-Dinan has been named the Ivy League Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year following a historic showing by the Harvard women’s cross country team at the Ivy League Heptagonal Championships.

Under the guidance of Wales-Dinan, the Crimson captured their first Ivy League team championship since 1985, marking a defining moment for the program. Harvard’s top five runners all finished inside the top 12 overall, demonstrating exceptional depth, preparation, and competitive strength.

Wales-Dinan has been instrumental in leading the women’s cross country program to one of its most successful seasons in recent history. His athlete-focused coaching philosophy emphasizes long-term development, consistency, and mental resilience—qualities that have translated into both individual and team success.

The Crimson are currently ranked No. 18 nationally in the latest U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) poll, the highest national ranking ever achieved by the program. Harvard also reached No. 2 in the USTFCCCA Northeast Region rankings, further highlighting the team’s upward trajectory under his leadership.

This award reflects Wales-Dinan’s ability to cultivate a culture of accountability, confidence, and shared purpose. His approach has helped student-athletes thrive not only in competition but also in balancing the demands of elite athletics and academic excellence.

Harvard women’s cross country will return to competition on November 11 at the NCAA Northeast Regional Championship, to be held at Van Cortlandt Park in New York.