The Bellevue University women's cross country program under head coach Craig Christians has added Madison Nelson of Plattsmouth, Neb. (Plattsmouth HS) to its 2021 recruiting class. Nelson is another in a long line of Plattsmouth Blue Devils making the jump from Coach Todd Nott's successful distance running programs to the Bruins' squad. Five Plattsmouth athletes will be on the Bruin roster when the season opens this fall.  

Nelson completed her senior year of cross country in 2019 when she recorded her best and a top ten finish at the Syracuse Invitational, running her personal best time of 20:21 for five kilometers. She went on to run to a 28th place finish at the Class B State Cross Country meet as she was the Blue Devil's first finisher, leading her team to an 11th place finish. She competed at the State Meet in all four of her competitive seasons while running at Plattsmouth. 

Head Coach Craig Christians had this to say about his new recruit: "I've been impressed with what Madison has done on her own over the last couple of months to the point where she is currently in the best shape of her life. That shows a lot of discipline and maturity. She told me that being away from the sport for a year has added to her enthusiasm and desire to see what she can do. I'm anxious to see that, too. Madison also brings outstanding academic credentials and I think her potential for success in the classroom and on the cross country course are high at BU. I think she's going to be a great fit for our team."  

Nelson joins incoming freshman Sarah Felten (Bellevue, Neb./Bellevue East HS) and transfer Caroline Feig (Waldport, Ore./Lane CC) on the list of 2021 recruits.