MENOMONIE – Menomonie High School standout distance runner Lauren McCalla has announced her commitment to compete in cross country and track for the University of Washington.

McCalla, who has been one of the top performers for the Mustangs throughout her prep career, shared her decision last week on the social media outlet Instagram. She cited the relationships built during her recruitment and the Huskies’ program as key factors in her choice.

“I really fell in love with Washington,” McCalla wrote. “I’m so grateful that Coach Maurica (Powell) and Coach Chris (Kwiatkowski) have given me this opportunity. I wouldn’t be here without the unwavering support from my family, friends, teammates and coaches.”

McCalla placed sixth at the WIAA Division 1 state cross country meet in 2024 after winning both the Big Rivers Conference and sectional championships. She followed that up on the track by finishing second in the 800- and 1600-meter runs at state, earning all-state honors in both events.

During the 2024 cross country season, the Huskies finished second in the Big 10 and 13th at  the NCAA Championship. During the 2024-25 indoor track and field season, Washington was fifth in the Big 10 and fourth at the NCAA Championship. The Huskies repeated the fourth place finish at the NCAAs during the 2025 outdoor championship and were sixth at the Big 10 championship.

McCalla is the second MHS runner over the last five years to sign to compete at an NCAA Division I school. Bella Jacobsen is competing at the University of of Wisconsin in Madison in both cross country and track.

Chat GPT provided assistance in the production of this story.