GRAD TRANSFER: Amelia Mazza-Downie to Florida

Earlier today, the University of Florida announced that Amelia Mazza-Downie will be finishing her eligibility with the Gators as a graduate transfer. The former New Mexico runner is expected to have one full year of eligibility across all three seasons of competition.

The blockbuster move stems from Mazza-Downie's old coach, Joe Franklin, leaving the Lobos earlier this month to take the Director of Track & Field and Cross Country role at Louisville. As a result, numerous women from the University of New Mexico entered the transfer portal.

Mazza-Downie is currently one of the most established and consistent upper-tier distance talents in the NCAA. With personal bests of 15:18 (5k) and 32:07 (10k), as well as multiple All-American honors, this Aussie star was going to be a massively impactful name for whichever team signed her.

And now, the three-time All-American, who finished 22nd at the NCAA XC Championships last fall, is set to join a Florida roster that has suddenly become very good very quickly.

Not only do the Gators sport long distance superstar Parker Valby, last year's individual runner-up at the cross country national meet, but they also recently added Flomena Asekol. The former Alabama runner is a 4:32 miler and a two-time All-American on the grass who placed 14th at last year's NCAA XC Championships.

Asekol joined the Florida women earlier this month to reconnect with her former distance coach from Alabama, Will Palmer.

Of course, it's clear that Palmer isn't content with just bringing in his athletes of old. By adding Amelia Mazza-Downie to his 2023 cross country squad, the Gators have suddenly transformed from an afterthought distance squad to a team that could legitimately contend for a podium position come November if everything goes perfectly.

In fact, one could argue that the trio of Parker Valby, Flomena Asekol and Amelia Mazza-Downie may rival the likes NC State and Colorado for the best 1-2-3 punch in the NCAA later this fall.

Admittedly, questions remain about what the backend of Florida's lineup will look like later this year and what the status of Valby's overall health will be. However, the recent addition of Allison Wilson (via transfer from Alabama) and the success of Valby this spring points to massively positive signs for Coach Will Palmer's revamped distance group in just a few months from now.