Clermont, Fla. – The new Head Men's and Women's Cross Country Coach at Lake-Sumter State College is wasting no time rounding out her staff, adding two more assistants as recruiting begins to ramp up.
Mark Parrish came on board a few days after the addition of David Verburg last week. A native Floridian, Parrish brings a wealth of knowledge to the brand new cross country program. His decorated collegiate career at the University of Florida includes three school records (8k, indoor 5k, outdoor 3k steeplechase) along with being a three-time All-America selection. Parrish was a member of the Gator's 2013 National Championship Team and most recently competed at the USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships placing 10th in the 10k in 2018.
"I'm very excited to share my passion and knowledge in a sport that has brought me so much joy throughout my career," said Parrish of the opportunity.
The latest and final addition to the coaching staff is Karen La Rosa. Currently the Head Coach for PURE Athletics Youth Track Club at NTC, La Rosa has coached alongside Snellgroves for the past four years. Her more than 15 years of leadership and management experience along with coaching track and field at multiple levels will have an immediate impact during the programs inaugural season in 2019.
"I am thrilled to be chosen to join Coach Snellgroves as we create an amazing cross country program for both men and women student-athletes right here at the South Lake Campus," La Rosa said. "It is a great opportunity to train and mentor LSSC student-athletes that will be able to compete with other athletes from across the state and nation."