OMAHA, Neb. – College of Saint Mary is pleased to announce that Gianna Hike has signed to continue her cross country and track & field careers with the school in the 2026-27 academic year.

Hike is a senior at Cornerstone Christian School in Bellevue, Neb. She is the daughter of Jacob and Erica Hike.

Derek Fey, who leads the cross country program at CSM and is a track assistant, said Hike's best years are ahead of her.

"Gianna is going to be another great addition to this freshman class,'' he said. "Not only is she a four-time state cross country qualifier, she is a fantastic person.

"She has a ton of potential, and I can see her really improving as a college runner. We're really looking forward to her leadership and seeing what she can do on the course.''

At Cornerstone Christian, Hike has participated in four years of cross country and track & field, and three years of basketball. She also has qualified for the state track meet and been an academic all-state selection.

Her favorite sports moments to date started in her junior cross country season, when she fought off instability in her knee to qualify for state. Following reconstructive surgery, she recovered and as a senior, hit her personal-best time of 21 minutes, 31 seconds to advance to state cross country for the fourth time.

In her free time, Hike enjoys lifting weights, painting, working as a barista at a local coffee shop and spending time with family and friends.

She said there were several reasons why CSM appealed to her.

"I have run track meets at CSM's indoor facility since I was in middle school,'' she said. "It has always been so special, fun and exciting to run meets at CSM! After visiting CSM, exploring academics and being welcomed by the amazing girls on the cross country team, I knew CSM was the right place for me.

"Having the opportunity to stay home, build my education in exercise science and continue the running career I love is the biggest blessing! I can't wait to begin my journey!''