West Texas A&M University Athletics

Gracen Key is wrapping up her second year as a graduate assistant coach with the cross country and track & field programs. After competing for two years under cross country head coach Jake Krolick, Key made the transition from student-athlete to coach after injuries prevented her from continuing her athletic career.
 
In her first season with the cross-country program, the Lady Buffs advanced to the NCAA Championships for the first time since 2013. The Lady Buffs finished 13th at the NCAA Division II National meet. Key coached three All-Americans, Innocent Murwanashyaka, Florance Uwajeneza and Eleonora Curtabbi. The Buffs also qualified for the NCAA Division II Nationals after winning their 9th consecutive Long Star Conference title. 
 
In spring 2022, Key continued to assist the distance program under new leadership of distance head coach Zach Daniel. During the track season Key had administrative duties with team travel, recruiting and student-athlete support including grade checks and mental health checks. 
 
During the 2022 season, the track & field programs earned 4 NCAA podium finishes including the 2022 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championship for the Lady Buffs. Eleonora Curtabbi was an individual champion in the steeplechase and Butare Rugenerwa was runner-up in the 800m.
 
Key earned her Bachelor’s degree from West Texas A&M in 2021 in Psychology and is currently working on her Master’s Degree in Communications. Key has been involved in the Female Coaching Mentorship program the past two years and has attended the women in coaching seminar at the USTFCCCA Convention.
 
As an athlete Key was a member of the Lady Buffs runner-up finish at the 2019 Cross Country championships and a scoring member of the 2020 LSC women’s indoor track & field championship in the Mile & DMR. A graduate of Wellman-Union HS, Key was a 2x UIL state champion in the middle-distance events.