University of Northern Colorado Athletics
2025 Women's Cross Country Roster
Roster
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
Braelyn Gifford
- Class:
- Freshman
- Hometown:
- Johnston, Iowa
- Prev School:
- Dowling Catholic HS
- Major:
- Biology
Personal Bests
2025
Competed twice during her freshman season, running her best time at the Greeno/Dirksen Invitational (20:32.2)...She bested her first meet time of 21:36.1.
High School: A determined and accomplished distance runner from Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines, Iowa, Braelyn Gifford began her high school career in Nebraska, where she made an immediate impact at the state level. She medaled multiple times at the Nebraska State Cross Country and Track Championships, specializing in the 3200m, 1600m, and 5k events. As a key scoring runner, she helped her team win its first-ever girls state track and field title—one of the proudest moments of her athletic journey. Braelyn earned four varsity letters each in cross country and track and combined her athletic success with academic excellence throughout high school.
Personal: Daughter of Natalie and Danny Gifford, Braelyn has three siblings: Madi, Cooper, and Hadley. She chose the University of Northern Colorado because of its welcoming team culture, inspiring coaching staff, and the sense of belonging she felt during her visit. A Biology major, Braelyn aspires to become a pediatric surgeon. Outside of running, she enjoys reading, baking, cooking, spending time with friends and family, and being outdoors.
| 5K (XC) | 20:32.2 |
2025
Competed twice during her freshman season, running her best time at the Greeno/Dirksen Invitational (20:32.2)...She bested her first meet time of 21:36.1.
High School: A determined and accomplished distance runner from Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines, Iowa, Braelyn Gifford began her high school career in Nebraska, where she made an immediate impact at the state level. She medaled multiple times at the Nebraska State Cross Country and Track Championships, specializing in the 3200m, 1600m, and 5k events. As a key scoring runner, she helped her team win its first-ever girls state track and field title—one of the proudest moments of her athletic journey. Braelyn earned four varsity letters each in cross country and track and combined her athletic success with academic excellence throughout high school.
Personal: Daughter of Natalie and Danny Gifford, Braelyn has three siblings: Madi, Cooper, and Hadley. She chose the University of Northern Colorado because of its welcoming team culture, inspiring coaching staff, and the sense of belonging she felt during her visit. A Biology major, Braelyn aspires to become a pediatric surgeon. Outside of running, she enjoys reading, baking, cooking, spending time with friends and family, and being outdoors.
Women's Walk Recap 2025
Wednesday, July 30
