GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.— Colorado Mesa University Director of Track & Field/Cross Country
Travis Floeck has announced the addition of ten new athletes to the Maverick women's roster for the upcoming 2026-27 seasons.
The group of ten recruits hail from six different states and includes nine incoming freshman and one transfer in Delta, Colorado native
Paige Kehmeirer, who spent the 2025-26 academic year at Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference rival Chadron State College.
Kehmeirer is one of six Colorado high school products in the group, which also includes
Rylin Elsrod (Palisade),
Addie Hollmann (Ralston Valley),
Alexandria McKnight (Timnath) and
Makaylee Meyer (Roosevelt).
California (
Joslyn Pierucci; Shafter), Kansas (
Chloe Swan; Shawnee Mission East), Nebraska (
Emily Scott; Millard West), Oregon (
Lily Nichols; Heppner), Texas (
Memori Hibbler; Amarillo) are also represented.
"We strategically brought in a smaller class this year, but we are thrilled we found student-athletes that will make immediate impacts athletically and will have lasting impacts as students and people in our program," Floeck said.
Hollmann, Nichols, Scott and Swan are distance runners who will also run on the Maverick cross country team this fall. Kehmeierer is a middle distance specialist while Hibbler and McKnight are sprinters.
Elsrod will join the Maverick jumps group while Meyer will contest the pole vault. Pierucci is a thrower.
"We have found high quality student-athletes that will contribute across all the event areas and will support our mission to have a highly competitive and comprehensive program within the RMAC and nationally," Floeck said.
Full biographies on each of the Maverick newcomers in alphabetical order can be found below.
A similar release of the men's recruiting class will be posted in coming days.
Rylin Elsrod (5-6, Jumps, Grand Junction, Colo./Palisade HS)
Prep: 2026 graduate of Palisade High School… Jumped for the Bulldogs and Coach Jill Reetz, wife of CMU Associate Head Coach
Tim Reetz… Won the Southwestern League titles in both the long and triple jumps as a senior in 2026… Set a PR triple jump mark of 36-1 to finish eighth at the state championships… Had wind-aided long jump PR of 18-3.75 to win the league crown… Set the Bulldogs' long jump record as well… Also qualified for state in 2025… Won the league title in the triple jump as a sophomore while also placing second in the 100 hurdles.
Personal: Is majoring in exercise science… Daughter of Tonia and Douglas Elsrod… Has a brother named Kristopher… Wants to emphasize in pre-med and attend PA school in the future… Enjoys hiking, snowboarding, swimming, painting and paddleboarding.
Why I Chose CMU: "I chose CMU because of the outdoorsy atmosphere, beautiful location and it's familiarity of being in my hometown."
Prep: 2026 graduate of Amarillo High School… Set PR times of 11.99 and 24.21as a senior with the Jonahtan Woodward coached Sandies…. Was a National Honors Society member and Superintendent Scholar.
Personal: Is majoring in exercise science… Wants to become an occupational therapist and help people develop the skills they need to be independent in everyday life… Daughter of Klandess Dowd… Has a younger sibling named N'spyer Britton… Enjoys hanging out with friends, shopping, working out, eating and playing where her dog.
Why I Chose CMU: "I chose CMU because the coaches were welcoming and made me feel comfortable throughout the recruiting process. I also really liked how close-knit the team and campus community seemed."
Prep: 2026 graduate of Ralston Valley High School… Coached by Laura Vette and Katie Carbs… Set track PRs of 2:26.40 (800), 5:18.11 (1600) and 11:26.37 (3200) as a senior with the Mustangs… Recorded six event wins throughout the season, including the Arvada City title in the 1600… Took fourth (3200), fifth (1600) and sixth (800) at the Jeffco League Championships… Finished fourth at the Jeffco League Cross Country Championships as a senior in the fall of 2025, one of five top 10 finishes… Placed 18th at the 5A Region 3 Championships after recording a PR 5K time of 19:09.80 earlier in the season at the Pat Amato Classic.
Personal: Is majoring in elementary education with aspirations of teaching first or second grade… Daughter of April and Chris Hollman… Has two siblings— Dylann and Kelsey… Loves being with family and friends.
Why I Chose CMU: "I loved the community and campus and I'm really excited to be a part of the XC and track team and meet new people."
Paige Kehmeirer (5-5, So., Mid-Distance, Delta, Colo./Chadron State/Delta HS)
Before CMU: Spent her freshman season at RMAC rival Chadron State, qualifying for the RMAC Championships in all three seasons and six total different track & field disciplines, including relays.
2026 Outdoor (@ Chadron State): Ran in six meets… RMAC Championship qualifier in both the 400 and 400 Hurdles… Finished 14th in the hurdles and 17th in the 400… Also ran on both of the Eagles' RMAC Championship relay teams… Had season-best times of 26.19 (200), 59.53 (400), 2:24.14 (800) and 1:09.35 (400 Hurdles)… Won the 800 at the Con Marshall Early Bird.
2025-26 Indoor (@ Chadron State): Ran in six meets… Placed 17th in the in 400 meters at the RMAC Championships with a time of 1:01.51… Also ran on the Eagles' 4x400-meter and distance medley relay teams… Had a season-best of 1:00.36 in the 400 at the South Dakota State Indoor Classic… Had a season-best time of 27.16 in the 200 at the Myrle Hanson Open… Won the 400 meters at that meet and the CSC Don Holst Open.
2025 XC (@ Chadron State): Ran in four meets, including the RMAC Championships… Placed 106th at the Eagles' sixth runner at the RMAC Championships with a 6K time of 25:12.9… Had a season-best 14th place finish at the Yellowjackets/Battlin' Bears Open, where she had a season-best time of 23:58.9 over 3.73 miles (slightly more than 6K).
Prep: 2025 graduate of Delta High School… Took second in the 800 and fourth in the 400 at the 3A State Championships in her senior season with the Panthers… Coached by Makayla Schmalz… Had PR times of 58.05 (400) and 2:16.84 (800) that season… Was also a state qualifier in 2023 and 2024.
Personal: Is majoring in business with an emphasis in marketing with an aspiration of being a marketing agent… Daughter of Michelle and Jared Kehmeier… Has a younger brother named Noah… Relative Abbie Kehmeier competes in swimming at Purdue… Hobbies including fishing, hiking and being outdoors.
Why I Chose CMU: "I chose CMU because it has great programs academically and athletically. CMU was the perfect fit for finding a strong school with great programs, and a strong competitive team to grow and compete on. The business major has many classes and opportunities to align me with my goals for the future. The track team is very strong with lots of determination that will push me to be more successful and better."
Prep: 2026 graduate of Timnath Middle-High School… Coached by Matt MIltenberg… Set a 100-meter PR and school record time 12.02 to win the Longs Peak League title… Went on to finish fifth at the state championships… Helped the Cubs set school records in the 4x100 (48.08), 4x200 (1:44.04) relays… Earned first team all-conference honors in both the 100 and 4x100 and second team honors in the 4x200… Earned all-state honors in all three events as well… Had season-best times of 12.45 and 25.42 in the 100 and 200 as a junior in 2025… Took fourth at the league championships in both… Won the team's most improved award while helping the Cubs win the league title… Was a state qualifier in both the 100 and 200 as well as the 4x100 and 4x200 relays and earned honorable mention all-state honoree in the 4x100… Helped the Cubs win the 2024 2A state title.
Personal: Is majoring in criminal justice… Aspires for a career in law, "hopefully as a criminal defense lawyer."… Daughter of Yolanda McKnight… Likes watching movies, bible studies, reading, writing and spending time with friends and family.
Why I Chose CMU: "I really like the town and there are many opportunities and activities to participate in! The athletics program seems really awesome and there is a great program for my major."
Prep: 2026 graduate of Roosevelt High School… Was a second team all-state honoree after placing fourth in the pole vault at the 2026 state championships with a clearance of 11-6… Coached by Daniel Joiner… Won the Long Peak League title… Had a career-best clearance of 11-10 earlier that season… Was named as the Roughriders' Junior Track Junior Girl of the Season in 2025, recognizing her performance improvement and dedication.
Personal: Is majoring in early childhood education… Wants to become a kindergarten or first grade teacher… Daughter of Amber Garguillo, Jason Meyer and Ryan Garguilo… Has four siblings.
Why I Chose CMU: "I chose CMU because once I stepped on campus, it felt like home. I also really like the values that are expected of a Mav!"
Prep: 2026 graduate of Heppner High School… Was a first team all-state performer in both cross country and track and field for the Mustangs, coached by her father Russel… Recorded top eight places in four different disciplines at state on the track… Was the district champion and state runner-up in cross country… Had three wins and six top three finishes during her senior cross country season in the fall 2025… Had a 5K PR time of 18:15… Finished 34th at the NXR Northwest Regional… Also had three meet wins while taking fifth at the district and sixth at the state championships in her 2024 junior season… Had four wins, including the district championship as a sophomore in 2023… Finished fourth at the state meet that year… Was third at the district championships and tenth at state in 2022… Set a PR 3K time of 10:53.68 to finish third at the 2026 Oregon Track & Field Championships as a senior… Was also seventh in the 800 and ninth in the 300-meter hurdles that season… Finished second in the 800, third in the 1500 and seventh in the 300 hurdles as a junior in 2025... Set PR times of 2:22.74 (800), 4:48.68 (1500) and 48.55 (300 Hurdles) that year… Placed fourth in the 1500 and eighth in both the 800 and 300 hurdles at the state meet in her 2024 sophomore season… Was fourth in the 1500 and fifth in both the 800 and 300 hurdles in 2023 as well.
Personal: Is majoring in nursing… Aspires to become an emergency room nurse… Daughter of Russel and Antonia Nichols… Has three older siblings— Hunter, Madelyn and Trevor… Trevor runs cross country and track at Eastern Oregon University... Enjoys hunting, hiking, fishing and camping.
Why I Chose CMU: "I chose CMU because of the great community and how successful the school, sports and nursing program are."
Prep: 2026 graduate of Shafter High School… Coached by Scott Semar… Was the Bakersfield Californian Women's Track & Field Athlete of the Year in 2025… Set a PR discus throw of 151-1 to win the CIF CS Masters Championship title in a string of five straight meet wins, including Central Section and South Sequoia League Championships… Went on to finish seventh at the CIF State Championships for the Generals… Also won the Central Section Masters, Division 2 and SSL league title in 2025… Had a shot put PR of 39-2 in 2026 before going on to win the SSL and Central Section crowns… Earned Kern County All-Area honors in 2025… Earned the Distinguished Young Woman of Shafter and SHS Track & Field Legacy Awards in 2026… Was a California Scholarship Federation High Honors recipient… Earned the Golden State Seal of Merit and was on the National Honors Society.
Personal: Is majoring in exercise science… Wants to become an athletic trainer… Daughter of Jerald and Jodie Pierucci… Has an older sister— Jayna… Enjoys doing theatrical productions, singing and collecting Pokemon cards.
Why I Chose CMU: "I chose CMU because it was the right fit for me. With the academic and athletic opportunities, I knew that I could thrive here."
Emily Scott (5-2, Distance, Omaha, Neb./Millard West HS)
Prep: 2026 graduate of Millard West High School… Set a PR time of 2:15.02 to take third in the 800 meters at the Nebraska 1A State Championships in her 2026 senior season… Finished fourth in 2024.. Also ran cross country for the Wildcats.
Personal: Majoring in radiologic sciences… Wants to become and X-Ray and MRI technician.
Why I Chose CMU: "I chose CMU because of the atmosphere and how welcoming the team was."
Chloe Swan (5-5, Distance, Leawood, Kan./Shawnee Mission East HS)
Prep: 2026 graduate of Shawnee Mission East HS… Ran for Coach Rikki Hacker and the Lancers…. Finished tenth at the state cross country championships as a senior in the fall of 2025, helping the Lancers to a runner-up team finish for the second time in her career… Also helped the Lancers to third place finishes in 2023 and 2024… Set track PR times of 5:04.41 (1600), 5:07.03 (Mile) and 11:12.10 (3200) during her 2026 senior season… Went on to finish sixth in the 3200 at the state meet… Set her PR times to finish second in both the 1600 and 3200 at the regional meet… Helped the Lancers record multiple high state and national championship finishes in various relays… Was a Nike Outdoor National Championships All-American.
Personal: Is majoring in biology on the pre-veterinary track with a minor in business… Aspires to open her own practice… Daughter of Kim and Lehi Swan… Will is her younger brother… Enjoys painting, crafting, anything outdoors such as running, hiking, biking, swimming and pickleball.
Why I Chose CMU: "I chose CMU because of the beautiful location and campus, gorgeous running trails, and the team culture that feels like a family!"
