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Hartnell College Women's  Cross Country


Women's Cross Country Coaches - Hartnell College
Men's and Women's Cross Country Coaches


Christopher Zepeda
(Head Coach Cross Country)

Coach Zepeda returns for his 7th year with the Panthers. Within the first five years, Coach Zepeda has guided the men's cross country team to four Coast Conference titles and a Norcal championship. In three out of the six years, Hartnell has produced the Norcal individual champion. In 2009, Daniel Tapia made school history becoming the school's first-ever individual state champion.

Zepeda competed at the junior college level and served as team captain while at Cuesta College. He also competed as a member of the Chico State Cross country and track & field team. Coach Zepeda earned his B.S. in Exercise Physiology from CSU, Chico and completed his M.A. in Kinesiology from Chico State in 2007. Coach Zepeda is Level I certified by USATF association. In addition to his coaching duties, Coach Zepeda will also serve as a part-time instructor for the PE Department.


Monica Jo Nicholson & Bella


Coach Monica comes back to her alma mater after spending the previous 8 years coaching all over Monterey County. Coach Monica was one of Hartnell's best in both cross country and track. After two successful years at Hartnell, she continued her collegiate career under Coach Hisermann at Sonoma State where she earned her B.A. Liberal Studies. Coach Nicholson has been a part of many local teams success over the years including North Monterey County and Nortre Dame High Schools.

Still an avid runner, Coach Monica is a current member of the Wolpack Racing Team. In addition to coaching, she enjoys pushing her daughter Bella up and down the trails in Monterey County.


Kim Kouka

Coach Kouka is returning for her fourth year of volunteer service to the Panthers. A multi-sport athlete in high school, Coach Kouka remains physically active. She is Registered Nurse at Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula and will provide medical attention to the Panthers during competition.


Alejandro Alcaraz

Alejandro joins the Panthers for his first season as volunteer assistant coach. His responsibilities include daily practice supervision, mentoring, and sports information. Alejandro attended Alisal High School but did not join the Panthers as an athlete until Fall of 2008. Alejandro was a two time All-Coast Conference competitor in cross country as well as a Northern California Championship qualifier in the 10,000 meters. Alejandro is currently completing his degree at CSU Monterey Bay.


Melissa Perez

Melissa returns to her alma mater after competing for two years at Dickinson State University in Dickinson, North Dakota.

Contact Information

Office- PE 106

Email: czepeda@hartnell.edu

Office  831-755-6845
Cell     530-966-3417
Fax     831-755-6831