BEVERLY, Mass. — The Conference of New England announced Monday that Roger Williams University first-year women's cross country runner Taylor Maluk (Newport, R.I.) has been named the CNE Rookie of the Week following an impressive collegiate debut at the University of Hartford XC Invitational on Saturday morning at Keney Park.
Maluk made an immediate impact in her first race as a Hawk, clocking in at 12:30.5 in the 3K. Her performance highlighted a strong opening effort against a competitive field and earned the Newport native her first conference weekly honor of her collegiate career.
A Strong Start at Hartford
Maluk opened her collegiate career with confidence at Keney Park, crossing the finish line in 12:30.5 in the 3K. Her performance placed her among the top runners in the field and provided an early glimpse of the impact she can make for the Hawks.
For Maluk, the race marked her first opportunity to compete at the collegiate level, and she answered the challenge with a performance that immediately caught the attention of the conference.
Maluk Makes Her Collegiate Mark
The first-year standout's performance was more than just a strong debut—it established an early foundation for what could be a promising rookie campaign. Competing on a collegiate course for the first time, Maluk remained composed throughout the 3K while gaining valuable experience against a competitive field.
Her 12:30.5 finish gives her a strong starting point as she continues to develop and take on a larger role within the Hawks' lineup.
CNE Recognition Caps Impressive Debut
Maluk's strong showing at Hartford earned her CNE Rookie of the Week honors, adding an early accolade to her first season at Roger Williams.
The recognition highlights the immediate impact of the Newport, R.I., native and gives the Hawks another reason to be excited about the first-year runner's potential throughout the 2026 campaign.
Looking Ahead
With her collegiate debut officially in the books, Maluk will look to carry the momentum from Hartford into the Hawks' next meet. The Rookie of the Week honor provides an early milestone, but the first-year standout will have plenty of opportunities to build on her performance as the season progresses.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Maluk and the Hawks return to action on Saturday, September 19, at the UMass Dartmouth Cross Country Invitational in North Dartmouth, Mass. The varsity race is scheduled for 12 p.m., followed by the JV race at 12:40 p.m.
