First runner to make NCAA Nationals races into FGCU history
- Terrisa Mark
- Athletics
- Contributors: James Greco, Photos
5 – minute read
When Ozia Trujillo first picked up running, she didn’t picture championship medals or broken records. In fact, she didn’t picture running at all.
“Originally, I played volleyball in elementary school,” Trujillo said with a laugh. “The cross country coach just came up to me one day and asked if I wanted to do cross country. I had no idea what cross country even was.”
That unexpected invitation set the course for one of the most remarkable seasons in cross country history at Florida Gulf Coast University. What began as a chance introduction to the sport has become a story of faith and courage — and one that culminated in a record-breaking 2025 campaign for the sophomore standout.
After running the race of her life Nov. 14 at regionals, Trujillo became the first Eagle in program history to qualify for the NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships. Finishing 11th out of 202 athletes in the 6K and producing a program-record and personal-best time of 19:45, she shaved more than a minute off her previous 6K time from two weeks prior.
She competes at nationals Nov. 22 in Columbia, Missouri.
“This is a moment I prayed for, and I’m so grateful to be heading to NCAA Nationals,” Trujillo said.
Racking up running honors
This fall, Trujillo’s name became synonymous with excellence across the Atlantic Sun Conference. From the first meet of the season, she established herself as a force. She opened the year by setting a new program-best time in the 5K, clocking in at 17:05.4. Weeks later, she captured the individual title at the Ed Holloway XC Classic, finishing the 6K in 20:48 and leading the Eagles to a team victory. Her consistent dominance earned her multiple ASUN Runner of the Week honors and led to the ASUN Championship.
On an unexpectedly chilly October morning in Jacksonville, Trujillo toed the starting line of the conference championship 5K with quiet confidence. The race unfolded perfectly. She surged ahead early, holding strong as the field thinned. When she crossed the finish line, the clock read 16:20 — a new ASUN Championship record and the first individual title for FGCU women’s cross country since 2013.
“When I crossed the line, the first thing I said was, ‘thank you, God,’” she said. “Him giving me the ASUN record, winning, being first team and winning Runner of the Year — it was all such a blessing. The training I did from January leading up to this race was all worth it.”
Her coach, Argeo Cruz, praised the effort that carried her through a season of relentless growth. “We are very proud of Ozia. I don’t think people understand her determination to not just be a good runner but an elite runner. She has a big vision, and I think that was her driving force to wake up every morning and be consistent,” he said. “Their hard training over the summer and throughout the season really paid off. Ozia’s leadership and dedication have elevated everyone around her. They represented the Green and Blue with pride.”
FGCU ‘felt like home’
Trujillo’s rise at FGCU was set in motion months before she joined the team. During Indoor Nationals last year, she met recruiting coach Alvaro Rivadeneira, who recognized her potential and reached out. They spoke, and something about FGCU stood out immediately to Trujillo.
“I visited Nebraska and Portland State, but when I visited FGCU, I knew I wanted to come here,” she said. “Every other school felt like we would just be filling a roster, but the FGCU coaches actually wanted to know about us.”
The Kansas native’s first experience at FGCU was memorable for more than one reason. “When I came on the visit to Florida, the heat was unbearable,” Trujillo said, laughing. “But the people on campus were really friendly. It just felt like home.”
That sense of connection became the deciding factor in her choice, even if it meant taking a leap of faith. “That was my biggest risk,” she said. “I left my family almost 24 hours away to come here, and it was really outside my comfort zone. I didn’t know anyone. But me getting out of my comfort zone was the best step I’ve taken. Imagine, here I am now, winning conference, having a great team and all-around support whether I have a good race or a bad one.”
Powered by trust, hard work and faith
For Trujillo, the transition to FGCU has been about more than personal achievement. It’s also been about belonging. “Anyone thinking about coming to FGCU should come,” the physical therapy major said. “It’s not just about the opportunities, it’s about how everyone here cares about you — not just when you’re here, but even after you leave.”
That belief in the FGCU family reflects the foundation of her success — a blend of trust, hard work and faith. Each race this season has carried the same energy: gratitude and purpose.
“Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something,” she said. “Step outside your comfort zone. I’m proud of what we accomplished. I know I have more to give, and I want to keep improving for my team and my school.”
From a volleyball player who didn’t know what cross country was to an ASUN champion and record holder, Trujillo’s journey has been defined by courage, community and conviction. Her 2025 season will be remembered not only for the records she broke but for the reminder she gives every young athlete: Sometimes, stepping outside your comfort zone is exactly where greatness begins.