COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The University of Colorado Colorado Springs Department of Athletics announced the 2025-26 Newcomers of the Year on Wednesday.  This year's CUSPYs for the Newcomers of the Year are awarded to women's cross country/track and field freshman Elizabeth McQuitty, and women's lacrosse freshman Ella Mills.
 
The Newcomer of the Year Award is presented annually to the top student-athletes who have made a significant impact in their first year competing for their program.

Elizabeth McQuitty, Women's Cross Country, Track & Field (Freshman, Alamosa, Colo. / Alamosa High School)

2025-26 Season Highlights

• RMAC Women's Cross Country Freshman of the Meet
• All-RMAC Women's Cross Country First Team
• All-RMAC Women's Outdoor Track & Field Second Team
• Competed in three cross country meets
• Recorded a 6k cross country PR time of 21:01.6 and placed 6^th at the RMAC XC Championship meet
• Placed 41^st with a time of 21:05 in the 6k at the Division II Cross Country Championships
• Competed in one indoor track & field meet, recording a time of 10:42.53 in the 3k
• Competed in three outdoor track & field meets, running the 5k and 10k
• Placed third in the 10k with a PR time of 36:55.41 at the RMAC Outdoor T&F Championships
   

"I'm so happy Elizabeth is getting recognized as she's been an incredible addition to the team this year," said UCCS women's cross country head coach/women's track & field assistant coach Corey Kubatzky. "As an athlete, her performances speak for themselves and are hugely impressive for a true freshman. She is a fearless and confident competitor who elevates those around her. As a teammate, she's shown leadership well beyond her years as she offers the team her constant compassion, encouragement and support. Congrats on a phenomenal freshman year, Elizabeth!"
 

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Ella Mills, Women's Lacrosse (Freshman, Attacker, Lakeville, Minn. / Lakeville South High School)

2025-26 Season Highlights

• RMAC Freshman of the Year
• All-RMAC First Team
• RMAC Offensive Player of the Week (March 23)
• Led the team in goals (46), points (51), shots (83), and shots on goal (69)
• Ranked second in the RMAC in goals per game (2.9), and third in points per game (3.2) and shots (5.2)
• Recorded 8 hat tricks and 12 multiple-goal games
• Posted career highs in goals (6), points (7), shots (9) and shots on goal (9) on March 18 vs. Missouri Western State
• Competed in all 16 games and started 14

 
"Ella had an extraordinary first year for UCCS Lacrosse," commented head coach Brice Queener. "She scored the game-winning goal in our first ever win against Regis that won us our first ever RMAC regular season championship, and our first win over a nationally ranked opponent. She is a fierce competitor with a knack for scoring goals in bunches!"
 

2025-26 UCCS CUSPYs Awards Schedule
Monday, May 4 - Athletes of the Year: Trevor Dale (Baseball) and Payton Tompkins (Volleyball)
Tuesday, May 5 - Student-Athletes of the Year: Sydnee-Anne Moeller (Women's Lacrosse) and Nick Walker (Men's Soccer)
Wednesday, May 6 - Newcomers of the Year: Elizabeth McQuitty (Women's Cross Country) and Ella Mills (Women's Lacrosse)
Thursday, May 7 - Athletic Director Award
 
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As a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs competes in 14 varsity sports in NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics.