The Valparaiso University cross country and track & field programs have added a trio of distance runners who will join the Beacons for the 2025-26 academic and athletic year.
 
Katie Sell (Peoria, Ill. / Dunlap), Samantha Rowley (Barrington, Ill. / Barrington) and Braden Hoff (New Lenox, Ill. / Lincoln-Way West) have signed to continue their athletic careers at Valpo, as announced by Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Vincent Walker.
 
Sell has earned first team all-conference accolades, is a regional champion, a sectional and state qualifier and earned the newcomer award for her team.
 
"I am thrilled to have Katie joining our team next fall," Walker said. "Her commitment to her goals and her relentless work ethic are what stood out to me the most. Katie is someone who does not shy away from hard work and is constantly pushing herself to get to the next level. Her determination and positive attitude will contribute well to our team culture. She adds a lot of strength to our team and will look to be a big impact for us next year."
 
Away from the track and course, Sell also competes in soccer and is involved in art club.
 
"I chose Valpo because it was a gorgeous campus and everyone was super friendly," Sell said. "I enjoyed the surrounding area and all the opportunities that I could gain from Valpo, both academically and athletically. Overall, it seemed like the perfect fit for me."
 
Rowley ran in the IHSA state meet twice and her team placed third at the Class 3A state meet in 2023. She holds the course record at her school for the 2.5-mile race.
 
"Sam is exactly the kind of student-athlete we love to have on our team," Walker said. "Her strong work ethic, combined with her dedication to her craft and team-first attitude will be invaluable to our program. She was a part of a very successful high school team, and the experience she brings in from that is going to help elevate our program. She adds a lot of strength and depth to our team and will be an incredible asset to our program. I look forward to accomplishing some big things with her as part of the team."
 
In addition to being a four-year varsity athlete, Rowley is a part of Dance Marathon at her high school.
 
"I chose Valpo because of the location and because the campus is so pretty," Rowley said. "As soon as I met all of the girls and guys on the cross-country team, I felt welcomed right away."
 
Hoff is an all-state and all-sectional cross-country runner who has won regional and conference championships. The team captain posted a top-five state time in the history of Lincoln-Way Central High School. On the track, he was part of an all-state 4x800 relay team (fifth place) and the 4x800 groups that own the indoor and outdoor school records. In the 1600, Hoff is a state qualifier, all-conference performer and all-sectional honoree. He is a conference champion and all-sectional standout in the 4x800.
 
"Braden is a hard worker, a solid student and approaches everything he does with purpose," Walker said. "He is the type of guy who shows up every day and isn't afraid to put the work in. He has had a successful high school career, but he is just scratching the surface of what he is capable of. We will look for him to have an immediate impact next year as he adds a lot of strength and depth to our roster."
 
Hoff's list of athletic accomplishments is matched in length only by his list of academic achievements. He has earned AP Scholar with distinction and high honor roll while participating in National Honor Society, wind ensemble band, jazz band, pep band, Illinois Music Honor Society, Mathletes (state qualifier), Science National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Environmental Action Club.
 
"I'm excited to continue my studies at Valparaiso University," Hoff said. "I see myself growing the most here academically and athletically, and I can't wait to officially be part of the team."