For the third time in her cross-country career at MSU, junior Michelle Carson was dubbed the Big Ten Cross Country Female Athlete of the Week.

“It was very surprising to be named again,” said Carson, a three-time honoree. “Coming from the Big Ten, this is definitely an honor.”

Carson set a personal best with 17:08 for the 5-kilometer race, demolishing a 9-year-old meet record and winning the Spartan Invitational on Friday.

Although she attributes receiving the honor to winning the invitational, she said the team’s hard work assisted as well.

“Training with the girls on the team also helped me to win,” Carson said. “Our team is very hardworking and strong.”