DAYTON, Ohio – Sarah Hinkley has been named head coach of the University of Dayton women’s cross country program, athletic department officials announced on Wednesday.

Hinkley, a former standout harrier at Western Michigan, comes to Dayton after serving three years as an assistant coach at Hillsdale (Mich.) College for men’s and women’s track.

“Sarah brings a great deal of knowledge and a track record of success to our women’s cross country program,” Senior Associate Athletics Director Mike Kelly said. “Her personality and goals are a great fit with the cross country and track programs. We look forward to her being a member of the University of Dayton family.”

In addition to leading the women’s cross country program at Dayton, Hinkley will serve as an assistant coach for the Flyers’ track program in the spring, overseeing distance runners.

During her running career at Western Michigan, Hinkley set program records in the 10K cross country race and the 4x1,500 meter track relay.

Prior to joining the Hillsdale College staff, Hinkley helped lead a successful track program at Reading (Mich.) High School for one season.

Hinkley has served as an assistant coach for the Hillsdale College cross country and track programs since 2007. In 2009-10 Hinkley helped lead the Chargers’ women’s cross country  to a fourth-place finish at the NCAA Division II Regional meet, and coached seven women’s and men’s track athletes to All-American honors.

The Michigan native has also participated in the Detroit Free Press marathon, finishing fourth overall in the race among all females last fall. In October 2008, Hinkley achieved a third-place finish at the marathon, her best finish ever in the event. She also participated in the Olympic Trials in April 2008.

Hinkley graduated from Western Michigan as a creative writing major.

Last season the Flyers women’s cross country team captured the 2009 Atlantic 10 Championship for the first time in program history. In addition to the success on the course, last season’s squad was nationally renowned academically after being awarded the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Academic All-American Team achieving a team average GPA of 3.57.