DALLAS, Texas – UNT Dallas announced Knashia Dawson as the Interim Head Coach for the Cross Country teams. Dawson becomes the second coach to lead the program but will maintain familiarity with the group as she has served as an assistant coach for the previous four seasons.
 
"I am happy to announce that Coach Dawson will be filling our Cross Country and Track and Field position as our interim Head Coach," Athletic Director Kelly Perry stated. "Our student-athletes have always respected Coach K and speak very highly of her. I have no doubt that the transition from Coach Royal to Coach K will be seamless."
 
Dawson brings 15 years of previous coaching experience, including five years in the Duncanville school district as the jumps, relay, and speed coach. Dawson was also the jumps and relay coach for the summer track program TRUTH which later became Elite Endurance track club.
 
Dawson competed at Kimball High School where she broke the women's indoor record her final two years while playing other sports.
 
Dawson attended Purdue and earned her master's degree in healthcare administration and bachelor's degree in health and health science.
 
Dawson says, "The mental part is the hardest part," for her motivational quote.
 
UNT Dallas debuts this season on September 7 at the UT Tyler Cross Country Open.