Juanita Sanchez serves as Director of Operations for University of Oklahoma's Cross Country program in Norman, Oklahoma. University of Oklahoma head track and field/cross country coach James Thomas announced the addition of Juanita Sanchez as Director of Operations January 2024. Sanchez joins the OU staff after a year-long stint at the University of Illinois as the director of operations for track and field/cross country.
The Fighting Illini’s season was highlighted by a standout performance from junior Olivia Howell who took the 2023 Indoor NCAA Championships mile title and the Big 10 indoor and outdoor mile championship. Howell was named the USTFCCA Midwest Region Track Athlete of the Year and Big 10 Indoor Track Athlete of the Year. During outdoor season, Illinois qualified 22 for NCAA West Prelims and five for NCAA Championships. Prior to Illinois, Sanchez spent one season at Iowa State, serving as the director of operations for track and field/cross country.
