Clemson, S.C. – Clemson track & field Head Coach Mark Elliott announced the addition of Vicky Pounds earlier today as the head cross country coach and as an assistant coach for the Tigers’ distance events. Pounds comes to Clemson after spending seven years at the University of Montana, serving as the assistant coach for cross country and track & field.
Coach Elliott had glowing praise when asked about the addition of Pounds, saying, “I remember from her competitive days how competitive she was, and I know she will bring to this program that same competitive spirit. She works very well with men and women in both cross country and on the track and she understands what quality performances are. She understands the goals we have for both programs and I know that she is a great addition to our staff.”
“I’m really excited for the opportunity and am excited to reach out and meet the team,” said Pounds. “My message when we get together is that we are here to be successful and win. We’re going to get a good distance running culture established.”
At Montana, both cross country teams had a fruitful 2018 season, as the women’s team placed within the top three overall in their first four meets of the season, while the men earned top five finishes in their opening four meets with a roster that featured only two runners with more than two years of experience. Pounds’ ability to cultivate great student-athletes is prevalent by both squads receiving U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Academic team honors for the 2018 season.
Pounds joined the Montana program ahead of the 2013 season and was put in charge of both cross country programs in 2016 after working with just the men’s team her first three years. Prior to joining the Grizzlies, Pounds served as the director of the Mountain West Youth Track Club from 2008 until the time she was hired.
Before entering the coaching ranks, Pounds was a world-class middle-distance runner, representing Canada on the international stage. A native of Leduc, Alberta, Pounds was a 14-time All-American and six-time Southeastern Conference champion while representing the University of Alabama. Pounds has personal bests of 2:02.00 in the 800 meters and 4:11.78 in the 1500 meters. The two-time Canadian 800-meter national champion represented Canada in the 1999 World Championships in Seville, Spain. Pounds and her husband, Jason, have two daughters, Madison and Morgan, and a son, Teigen.
