Ashley standing in front of the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter she will be trained to operate.
These Zeta Phi-MIT Sisters Have Gone the Distance! The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) women's cross country team recently claimed its first-ever NCAA Division III National Championship at the LaVern Gibson Cross Country Course, a 250-acre complex in Terre Haute, Indiana, designed specifically for cross country running. Senior Christina Crow and sophomore Heather Jensen ran in this championship race with the support of Alpha Phi, freshman Kate Friedman , who traveled 15 hours to cheer on her sisters. MIT entered the race as the No. 1 ranked team in the nation after winning its 17th straight NEWMAC conference title and its fourth straight NCAA East Regional Championship in 2024. The Engineers completed a historic season with a run for the record books, taking first in the 6K race to win their first national championship. Friedman is now a two-time All-American after finishing in 34th place during the 2023 National Championship. Crow and Sane earned the honor for the first time. Friedman and recorded a collegiate personal record in the race. Heather helped MIT finish with all seven runners inside the top 55, clocking in at 54th in 21:58.2. MIT ultimately finished with an average time of 21:42.3 and a spread of 31.4.
Omicron Member Takes to the Sky as Helicopter Pilot We are thrilled to share that Ashley Gordon (Omicron-Missouri) , a junior studying health sciences and ROTC cadet, was selected for Initial Entry Rotary Wing (IERW) training for the UH-60 Blackhawk. This prestigious training will be followed by an aviation assignment with the Missouri Army National Guard. "This role will give me the opportunity to lead while also continuing to build my proficiency as a pilot," Ashley said. "I’m excited to take on that dual responsibility — serving as a leader and continuing to develop my technical and tactical expertise." Ashley is a dedicated Alpha Phi having served as both the director of primary recruitment and the vice president of membership recruitment during her time in the Omicron chapter while balancing life as a full-time student and Army National Guard cadet. She also works part-time as a health clerk for the University of Missouri Health Care. “I am honored to carry on the family legacy as a third generation aviator and proud to be the first female Army helicopter pilot in my family,” Ashley shared via LinkedIn. “I am ready to serve and contribute to the mission ahead.”
Christina Crow ran to All-America honors for MIT. She was the lone senior on MIT's roster this season. Photo credit: Natalie Green and MIT News.
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