Frias Departs as Director of Track and Field and Cross Country

HARRISONBURG, Va. - James Madison Director of Track and Field and Cross Country Ta' Frias has resigned from her position, as announced by Director of Athletics Jeff Bourne Friday afternoon.

Frias is leaving Harrisonburg for family reasons as her husband, Jaime Frias, is preparing for his first season as head women's soccer coach at the University of Houston.

"Ta' Frias has been a steady presence and one of our longest-tenured JMU coaches with 13 years of leadership within our track and field program," Bourne said. "Under her guidance, our program achieved five top-three finishes in the conference. More importantly, her student-athletes were model members of our department, achieving off the field, attaining leadership opportunities and posting high academic marks. Her influence was undeniable and will be missed, but we wish the best for her and the Frias family as they move to Texas and begin a new chapter for their family."

Frias became the Director of the Track and Field and Cross Country programs in 2014 after serving as the Track and Field Head Coach from 2009-14. In 2012, Frias led the Dukes to their first CAA title. JMU then went on to finish in the top three at the conference meet four more times over the following years.

During her time as Director, Frias has seen the Dukes break 26 school records in both indoor and outdoor track and numerous student-athletes have been CAA individual champions and NCAA qualifiers. In the 2021-22 season alone, JMU set four new school records in both indoor and outdoor competition.

Frias departs on a high note after leading the Dukes to win their first-ever ECAC Outdoor Track & Field Championship in May of 2022.

"I am deeply appreciative of the opportunity to be a part of the JMU family and have enjoyed my tenure at the helm of the track and field / cross country program," expressed Frias. "This has been a tremendous and memorable chapter in my career. I want to thank Jeff Bourne for the opportunity to lead the program; Kevin White for his leadership and guidance; Bill Walton for taking a chance and hiring me; Dave Rinker and Ron McCown for their camaraderie, trust and support, and the team for believing in my vision. Thank you to the entire athletic department and all those in and around campus that have made my time here so special. JMU has been my home for the past 13 years and I will miss the many relationships I've fostered. It is not easy to say goodbye; however, I would like to think of my time as a continuation of growth and professional development that will long remain with me. In fact, I stand on them as hallmarks for the future. I am truly excited for my family as we embark on our new adventure."

A national search will commence immediately for a new director of cross country and track and field.

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