by FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Coconino Community College Athletics has announced the addition of two new Assistant Coaches to its Cross Country and Track & Field programs: Ali Upshaw and Krissy Gear. Both will work across the men’s and women’s programs, bringing fresh energy and high-level running experience to the Comets as the team heads into its 2026 fall season.
“I couldn’t be more excited to add Ali and Krissy to our staff,” said Head Coach Craig Hunt. “They both bring a level of talent and experience that our athletes don’t often get access to at this level. Ali’s ties to this community and Krissy’s background racing at the highest levels of the sport are going to make an immediate impact on our runners, and I’m looking forward to what our coaching staff can build together this season.”
Upshaw joins CCC fresh off her collegiate career at Northern Arizona University, where she established herself as one of the top distance runners in program history. She currently holds the Big Sky Conference record in the 10,000 meters, a mark that speaks to the caliber of training and competition she brings into her first collegiate coaching role.
Upshaw’s ties to the region run deeper than her time at NAU. She originally attended Saint Michael’s Indian School, giving her a direct connection to Northern Arizona and Coconino County. Being a local gives her a unique and personal understanding of the athletes and communities CCC serves and adds an important perspective to the coaching staff as the program continues to build relationships throughout the region.
As an assistant coach, Upshaw will work directly with both the men’s and women’s rosters, supporting training design, race-day logistics, and the day-to-day development that turns strong preseason work into results on the course and the track.
