For the first time in 14 years, the Eden Prairie High School (EPHS) cross country program will have a new leader when the season begins in August.
On Jan. 22, the EPHS athletics department announced the hiring of Courtney Brandon via a news release. She takes over for Jeff Lindlief, who is retiring from the position after more than two decades of involvement in the program.
“I am honored and humbled to lead our students to be the best people and athletes they can be,” Brandon said via the school’s news release.
Brandon is no stranger to EP cross country. She has spent the past seven years involved in the program. She has served as an assistant coach for the Central Middle School (CMS) cross country and track and field programs. She also teaches seventh-grade English at CMS.
Her EPHS experience includes being an assistant distance track and field coach.
“The Eden Prairie cross country program and running community – including our athletes, their families, coaches and alumni – has an accomplished history,” Brandon said. “I look forward to continuing that tradition. I am excited to support, motivate and inspire our student athletes.”
Prior to her time in Eden Prairie, Brandon spent time in Ankeny, Iowa, teaching and coaching cross country and track and field.
Brandon has experience as a runner at a high level. She was a Division I track-and-field and cross country athlete at Drake University, where she earned a degree in Secondary Education and English.
Brandon takes over a program that was led by Lindlief since 2004. Similar to Brandon, Lindlief spent eight seasons as an assistant before taking over for Larry Anderson.