Texas Longhorn Sophie Atkinson Breaks 5K School Record

The graduate distance runner from Virginia has found success in her new home at the University of Texas.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 3:38am

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Sophie Atkinson, a graduate distance runner who transferred from the University of Virginia to the University of Texas, has now set the Texas school record in the 5k. Atkinson, originally from Katy, Texas, spent her undergraduate years competing for the Cavaliers before deciding to come closer to home and join the Longhorns. At Texas, Atkinson has found success, including breaking a 39-year-old school record in the 3k during the indoor season.

Why it matters

Atkinson's story highlights the impact that transfer athletes can have on a program. As a new face to some, she has quickly made her mark on the Texas track and field team, setting school records and emerging as a leader. Her journey also speaks to the draw of the unique culture and ambition of Texas athletics that she was attracted to.

The details

At Virginia, Atkinson competed in cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field, earning several accolades including a silver medal at the Panorama Farms cross country invitational and a personal best in the 10k. Graduating from Virginia but still athletically eligible, Atkinson decided to transfer to Texas, citing a desire for a "change" and to be closer to home and family. Since joining the Longhorns, Atkinson has found great success, breaking the school record in the 3k during the indoor season and now holding the Texas record in the 5k.

  • Atkinson spent her undergraduate years competing for the University of Virginia.
  • In her senior year at Virginia, Atkinson earned several top finishes including a silver medal in cross country.
  • Atkinson graduated from Virginia but remained athletically eligible.
  • Atkinson transferred to the University of Texas for the 2025-2026 academic year.
  • During the 2025-2026 indoor season, Atkinson broke a 39-year-old Texas school record in the 3k.

The players

Sophie Atkinson

A graduate distance runner who transferred from the University of Virginia to the University of Texas, where she has set the school record in the 5k.

University of Virginia

The school where Atkinson competed as an undergraduate, earning several accolades in cross country and track and field.

University of Texas

The school Atkinson transferred to, where she has found great success and set a school record in the 3k.

Coach Smith

Atkinson's coach at the University of Texas, who has helped her have a "fresh start" and cultivate an environment where "anything is reachable."

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What they’re saying

“Texas has always been a dream school for me. I did look here for undergrad, but I think it was just a matter of timing and it wasn't the right fit at the right time.”

— Sophie Atkinson

“Something that's really cool about (Texas) is the ambition and drive. The coaches encourage you ... and cultivate an environment where you feel like anything is reachable.”

— Sophie Atkinson

“That race (was) exciting for me. My progression within the sport has not been the most linear path ... I felt really fortunate in that race, it just clicked, I ran into (my) fitness and it was a special day.”

— Sophie Atkinson

What’s next

Atkinson will look to continue her success as she competes for the Texas Longhorns during the remainder of the outdoor track and field season.

The takeaway

Atkinson's story demonstrates the impact that transfer athletes can have on a program. By finding the right fit at the University of Texas, she has been able to excel and leave her mark on the Longhorns' track and field team.