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Recruiting Round-Up: Who's Going Where Next Fall?

By Edgar Salazar | MileSplit California

Reese Holley (JSerra Catholic): University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Reese Holley is taking her distance-running career to the next level, committing to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill after establishing herself among California's top girls' distance runners. The JSerra Catholic senior recently delivered a standout performance at the Great American XC Festival on Oct. 3, finishing ninth in the Race of Champions in a personal-best 17:27.50 for 5,000 meters. Her performance helped lead the Lions to the team title at the meet and set a new JSerra girls cross country 5K school record. Holley's ability to deliver against a nationally competitive field has highlighted her senior-season campaign as she prepares for the postseason. 

Holley brings considerable track speed and distance experience to Chapel Hill. She owns personal bests of 2:07.48 for 800m and 4:45.23 for 1600m, both of which were recorded during the 2026 outdoor season. She has also run 16:18.90 for three miles in cross country, demonstrating her ability to compete across multiple distances. With a combination of middle-distance speed and cross country strength, Holley will look to continue her development as a Tar Heel and contribute to North Carolina's distance program.

Aidan Antonio (Woodbridge): Georgetown University

Aidan Antonio has committed to Georgetown University after another strong campaign among California's elite distance runners. The Woodbridge senior opened the season with a 13:47.60 performance for three miles at the Woodbridge Cross Country Classic on Sept. 18 before taking his talents to the national stage at the Great American XC Festival on Oct. 3. Antonio finished 10th in the Race of Champions, continuing to demonstrate his ability to compete against some of the nation's top distance runners. His experience in nationally competitive fields and continued progression make him an exciting addition to Georgetown's distance-running roster.

Blake Bay (Fresno Christian): Liberty University

Blake Bay is headed to Liberty University after continuing to establish himself among California's leading boys cross country runners. The Fresno Christian senior entered the ASICS Clovis XC Invitational as one of the state's top returners and delivered a major performance at Woodward Park on Oct. 10, running 14:42.20 for 5,000 meters. Bay finished fourth in the Championship race, improving significantly on his previous performances at the venue and reinforcing his standing as a contender on California's championship course. His performance at Clovis marked a key milestone in a season that has seen him continue to compete at an elite level.

Bay's success builds on an impressive cross country and track background. He entered the season with a 13:49.00 three-mile personal best from the Woodbridge Cross Country Classic and owns a 9:07.57 personal best for 3200m his sophomore season (Spring 2025). He has continued to improve across the mid-distance events as well, running 4:19.42 for the full mile at the Mt. SAC Relays this past spring and dipping under the 2-minute mark in the 800m at the Dave Dodson Spring Classic. His combination of championship-course experience and sustained progression gives Liberty a strong addition to its distance-running program.

Farah Allen (Branson): University of California, Los Angeles

Farah Allen has committed to UCLA after establishing herself as one of Northern California's top distance runners. The Branson standout has faced elite competition throughout the 2026 cross country season, entering with a 17:18.00 three-mile personal best at last year's De La Salle Nike Invitational and a strong record against California's top runners. At the ASICS Clovis XC Invitational on Oct. 9, Allen competed against a deep field at Woodward Park, running 17:15.3 for the 5K on the same course that will host the CIF State Cross Country Championships. Her experience at high-level invitationals and continued development as a distance runner have helped position her for the next step with the Bruins.

Allen's previous cross country campaign featured a standout postseason, as she finished second in her division at the 2025 CIF State Cross Country Championships and went on to compete at the Brooks XC Championships in San Diego after a 9th place finish at the regional. She recently recorded a 16:20.00 personal best for the 3-miles earlier this season, establishing herself among the strongest runners in the state. On the track, Allen owns personal bests of 4:48.09 for 1600m and 10:38.68 for 3200m. Her championship experience and versatility across the distance events will provide UCLA with an accomplished addition to its roster.

Thomas Yohn (Woodbridge): U.S. Military Academy

Thomas Yohn is set to continue his running career at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he will join Army's distance-running program. The Woodbridge senior opened the 2026 cross country season with a 14:36.2 performance for three miles at the PR City Invitational in late August, placing him among the leading runners in a state-level competitive field. Competing in one of Southern California's deepest distance-running programs has given Yohn regular opportunities to test himself against top competition as he prepares for the postseason and the transition to collegiate athletics.

Yohn's development at Woodbridge has been shaped by experience in a program known for producing competitive distance runners. His performances at Woodbridge provide a strong benchmark heading into the remainder of his senior campaign. He holds bests from last season of 15:19.8 and 14:20.7 in the 5K and 3-mile, respectively. At West Point, Yohn will have the opportunity to continue improving as a distance runner while taking on the academic and military responsibilities that distinguish the Army student-athlete experience. His commitment represents an important next step in both his athletic and academic career.

Patrick Pinjuv (Union Mine): California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Patrick Pinjuv has committed to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, bringing his middle-distance speed and developing cross country experience to the Mustangs. The Union Mine standout ran a 15:33.50 personal best for three miles at this year's Woodbridge Cross Country Classic, not bad for a 400m/800m specialist. Yes, his strongest credentials have emerged on the track, but Pinjuv's range across multiple events provides a promising foundation as he prepares to transition to collegiate competition.

Pinjuv's track résumé highlights his potential as a versatile collegiate distance runner. He owns a 1:52.65 personal best for 800 meters and has run 49.91 for 400 meters. At the ASICS Clovis XC Invitational last weekend, he clocked a 16:21.2 season best, just around eight seconds shy of his 5K personal best, set last season. His combination of speed and developing distance experience gives Cal Poly an athlete with versatility and room to grow within its program.