EVANSVILLE, Ind.—University of Southern Indiana Women's Cross Country/Track & Field Coach Mike Hillyard announced the addition of junior Chase Hayes to the 2026-27 roster.
 
Hayes transfers from the University of Evansville, where she made the transition from sprints to distance throughout the course of the previous three years.
 
During the 2025 cross country season, Hayes was UE's top finisher five times in just her second season on the grass. She led the Purple Aces in the mile during the indoor season in 2025-26 and was UE's top performer in both the 800 and 1,500 meters during the 2026 outdoor campaign.
 
Hayes brings personal-best times to USI of 2:19.08 (800m), 4:36.00 (1,500m), 5:05.05 (mile), 10:16.52 (3,000m) and 17:35.67 (5,000m). Her career-best 6k time of 21:53.5 would have landed Hayes in USI's top three a year ago.
 
"Chase has made tremendous progress in just two short years as a distance runner," Hillyard said. "She has a tremendous work ethic and a very high ceiling. We're grateful and happy to have her with us."
 
Hayes joins a list of newcomers that includes graduate transfer Sierra Parks as well as incoming freshmen Ellie Bush, Maddie Graber, Arden Jensen, Mayci Moore, Kara Odum, Mackenzie Pound and Mallory Watt.
 
The Screaming Eagles begin the 2026 season September 4 when they host the Stegemoller Screagle Twilight at the USI Cross Country Course.