Conference USA (C-USA) named UTEP senior Ruth Jerubet the Women’s Athlete of the Week for two consecutive weeks for cross country, first on Sept. 17 and again on Oct. 1.
Jerubet shared that while the honor was unexpected, it’s one of her proudest accomplishments this season, reflecting her hard work.
“It’s really amazing, it’s an incredible honor,” said Jerubet. “I’ve never earned it before; this was my first time actually. So, I feel like my hard work is like paying off right now, which is really important for me.”
Jerubet is a member of the track and field team and serves as captain of the UTEP cross country team, participating in the 1,500 meter, 3K, 5K, and 6K events.
Jerubet’s achievements reflect her dedication to both athletics and academics. In 2023, she was named to the All-Conference USA First Team and the Conference USA All-Academic team, as well as the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Track & Field/Cross Country Team.
She also earned the 2022 Conference USA Female Cross Country Athlete of the Year award and was recognized on the All-Conference USA First Team in both 2021 and 2022. Additionally, Jerubet has consistently made the Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll in 2023 and 2024.
She shares that her passion for running started at just 10-years-old, doing it for fun while in middle school. During high school, Jerubet started taking the sport seriously seeing as it would promise many opportunities, including the chance to study abroad on an athletic scholarship, which brought her to UTEP.
Throughout her collegiate journey in track and field and cross country, Jerubet said that balancing her time among all her priorities has been the most challenging aspect.
“The challenges that I have faced are balancing between academics, athletics, and my personal life,” said Jerubet. “It’s been really so challenging, but as of right now I have figured it out and I think time management skills have been like the most important thing that I have realized I need to work on it.”
With a busy schedule that includes waking up at 5:30 a.m. for practices from 6:15 to 8:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday, Jerubet said an important part of her schedule includes time for rest and recovery in her routine.
Reflecting on her journey and the challenges she has faced, Jerubet offers valuable advice for young athletes aspiring to pursue similar paths.“Do what you love, listen to your body and mind, whatever you feel, sometimes it’s okay to slow down and take things back whenever you feel like overwhelmed,” said Jerubet.
Jerubet hopes to earn a spot on the Conference USA First Team this season, which would place her among the top seven athletes in the conference for track and field and cross country. She also aspires to be named the conference’s Senior of the Year.
Jerubet encourages students to support the UTEP track and field and cross country teams, while also inviting them to try running for fun. Jerubet’s decorated academic and athletic career is a clear reflection of her hard work and staying true to oneself.
Ximena Cordero is a staff reporter and may be reached at [email protected].
