THROGGS NECK, NY – AJ Batcher has been named Maritime College's head men's and women's cross country coach by Athletic Director Jamel Ramsay.  Batcher ran competitively throughout high school and collegiately at the United States Naval Academy, where she was a member of both the cross country/track & field and marathon teams.  In addition, she is a competitive CrossFit athlete.

Batcher won four consecutive cross country district titles at Mepham High School (2008-11) and served as a team captain during her senior year.  After walking onto the team at Navy, she earned a place on the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll.

"I'm excited for this opportunity and to be back in the vicinity of my hometown (North Bellmore, NY)," Batcher said.  "Running has always been a passion of mine, so this was a perfect fit for me.  I know this team has a lot of potential, and I'm looking forward to getting underway."

An active-duty Marine Corps Officer, she is also on the Maritime College staff as the Executive Officer and Marine Officer Instructor of the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Unit.  Batcher has continued to run for fun and fitness since graduating from the Naval Academy with a degree in English and is currently pursuing a master's in business administration through Penn State University.