GRAD TRANSFER: Olivia Howell to Texas

Earlier today, the University of Texas announced that they have signed Olivia Howell (via Illinois) as a graduate transfer. The incoming Longhorn is expected to have one full year of eligibility remaining across all three seasons of competition.

Howell's move to Texas admittedly doesn't come as a shock. Last month, former Illinois distance coach Sarah Smith (née Haveman) left the Fighting Illini to join the Longhorn women as their newest distance coach.

It should also be noted that earlier this week, the University of Illinois announced that they were hiring Helen Lehman-Winters as their newest distance coach.

In nearly ever facet, Howell is a perfect name who fits the exact mission of what the University of Texas is trying to achieve: Become a national threat across all three seasons of competition (with track success taking priority).

The former Illinois runner has always been a steady and consistent national-caliber talent, but 2023 was her best year yet. That's largely because Howell won the mile individual national title earlier this winter over Lauren Gregory in what many people considered to be an upset.

She would later venture to the outdoor national meet where she earned 8th place All-American honors over 1500 meters. Howell also has a third All-American honor (5th) at the mile distance from the winter of 2022.

With personal bests of 2:02 (800), 4:09 (1500) and 4:33 (mile), Howell will be the perfect name to come into Austin, Texas to jump-start a women's distance program that has needed a spark. Let's also not forget that Howell was, at one point, listed in The Stride Report's top-50 individual cross country rankings last fall and won the 2022 Midwest Regional XC Championships.

Now, as the Texas women look to fight for national titles on the track in 2024, they'll be happy to know that they have added someone who can potentially give them 10 points if she has a perfect day.