LACEY, Wash. - After three seasons at the helm of the Saint Martin's men's and women's cross country programs, Head Coach Matt Lowe announced his resignation last week.
 
"It has been a wonderful experience working with the Saints Athletics Department," said Lowe, "I am grateful to have spent valuable time and energy uplifting the program to become distinguishable amongst its competitors. My time spent in this position has provided me the opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. I am appreciative of the athletic administration and Director of Athletics, Steve O'Brien's efforts to demonstrate enthusiasm and support for all athletic programs. I also appreciated the opportunity to have worked alongside some incredible coaches who have also demonstrated tremendous enthusiasm in providing a comprehensive college athletic experience for our student-athletes."
 
Lowe took a SMU cross country team that was picked to finish near the bottom of the conference to extraordinary heights during his time at the helm. In the 2022 season, he coached the women's team to their best GNAC finish in program history and the men to their best conference finish since 2011. In doing so, Alauna Carstens was named Freshman of the Year and made the trip to the National Championships, placing as one of the highest rookies in the field. This season, the Saint Martin's women again finished second in the conference, and Cassidy Walchak-Sloan finished 27^th at Nationals, marking the second All-American in program history.
 
"I would like to thank Coach Lowe for his service to Saint Martin's University and recognize the program's impressive achievements during his tenure," said Director of Athletics Steve O'Brien, "As we move forward, the women's team has become a formidable force within the GNAC, and individual marks attained by both the women's and men's teams indicate a bright future for the entire program. We wish Coach Lowe well in his future endeavors."
 
Saint Martin's Head Track and Field Coach, Scott Carter, and Cross Country assistant coach, Nate Carlson, will continue to lead the program until a successor is named through a national search.