The Bellevue University women's cross country/distance track program has announced the first signing of the 2025-26 recruiting class. Grace Steinmetz of Heartland Christian High School (Council Bluffs, Iowa) brings four years of track experience to the Bruins with a great range from sprints to long distances.

Her personal bests include 2:41.37 for 800 meters to 13:13.63 for 3200 meters, and she also brings a significant amount of relay duty. On the cross country course, Steinmetz is a two-time qualifier for the Iowa High School State Championships, recently posting a season-best of 20:34 for 5K.

Head Coach Craig Christians: "It was apparent from her signing ceremony that Grace is respected and loved by her school, from her classmates to the preschool kids. I think that speaks volumes about the kind of young woman we've signed. I'm excited about the enthusiasm for BU that she's shown and know that she is going to be a big contributor to our program and the University.

The Bruin men's cross country team and Madison Nelson from the women's squad will compete in the 2024 NAIA National Championships on Friday, Nov. 22, at the Grans Creek Cross Country Course in Columbia, Mo.