Laura Harmon

AMES — Iowa State has added Laura Harmon as the head women’s cross country coach and assistant track coach.

ISU director of track and field/cross country Jeremy Sudbury announced the hiring of Harmon, who spent the last four seasons in similar roles at Washington State.

“This is an exciting day for Iowa State cross country and track and field,” said Sudbury. “Laura Harmon has established herself as one of the brightest and most respected distance coaches in the country, and we are thrilled to welcome her and her family to our community of Ames.”

Harmon continues a decorated 21-year coaching career that includes multiple high school team state championships in both cross country and track, numerous NCAA All-Americans and multiple conference champions. The 2025 West Coast Conference Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year helped the Cougar women to their first conference championship in program history. The Wazzou women also qualified for the national championship meet for just the third time in program history.

“I am thrilled to join Iowa State University and lead a women’s cross country program with a proud tradition of success,” said Harmon. “The opportunity to partner with coach Sudbury and the Iowa State staff was a major factor in my decision. Our visions for the future of Iowa State cross country and track and field align exceptionally well, and our partnership is a natural fit. Together, we will build on an outstanding foundation, provide an exceptional experience for our student-athletes, and pursue the goal of becoming a national championship contender.”

The Iowa State women have enjoyed much success on the grass, making 14 NCAA Cross Country Championships appearances in the last 17 seasons.

As a runner, Harmon was a two-time team captain on the University of Oregon cross country and track and field teams. Her decorated competitive career included one NCAA Cross Country All-American nod, two second-team All-American Academic selections, and four NCAA Regional appearances in the 1,500- and 5,000-meter runs.