Elizabeth Harita didn't just race for the University of Denver. She led.
As the Pioneers women's triathlon captain wraps up her DU career, she is filled with reflection on all of the miles, moments and teammates that shaped her experience beyond the finish line.
After battling shoulder and lower-back pain along with asthma throughout the 2024 regular season, Harita delivered one of her strongest performances of her junior campaign at Collegiate National Championships that November in Clermont, Florida.
But one of her favorite moments of her time at DU came a few months later in March 2025 on the same course at the Clermont Challenge, as she earned her first collegiate victory by winning the NCAA Super Sprint, a highlight in her career.
"Being able to break the tape and have that moment was really cool," Harita said. "It was so fun and exciting."
During the 2025 season, Harita balanced hard training with embracing the day-to-day moments that defined her final year at Denver. Her journey reflected both personal growth and the close bonds formed within the program.
"I feel pretty good," Harita remarked about her final season. "It wasn't necessarily a rough season, but I knew I could have performed better. Nationals ended up being one of my best performances of the season, so it felt really good to finish on that note."
Harita finished her DU career with a program-record 26 races, placing in the top 20 in 15 of those events. Her 10 top-10s and six top-fives both rank second in school history while her three podiums are third-most. She is also a four-time CTCA Division I Scholar All-American Honorable Mention selection and was named Team MVP for the 2024 season.
From Anaheim, California, Harita discovered Denver's triathlon program while exploring college options and quickly found that the student-athlete experience was the right fit.
"I had done sports my whole life, and coming here made the transition into college so much easier," she said. "My lifestyle stayed consistent with training, school and balance."
Harita leaves Denver having also set the program record for the fastest 750-meter swim (8:45, 2022 Cal Bearathlon) and tying school marks for the second-most top-10 finishes in a season (five, 2022-23) and total races in an academic year (eight, 2022-23).
Named a team captain prior to the 2025 campaign, Harita embraced her role as a leader for a young Pioneer roster that featured more than half of its squad as freshmen.
"I'm more of a silent leader," she said. "I try to lead by example and be the teammate I would want."
This summer and just days after she plans to walk across the stage at DU with her bachelor's degree in physiology health and disease, Harita will begin physician assistant school at Des Moines University, marking the start of the next chapter in her journey.
"That's my next big step," she said. "Sports will always be part of my life, but PA school is my focus now."
As she reflects on her time at Denver, it's the bond with her team that stands out the most.
"Make the most of your time and make memories with your teammates," Harita said. "That's what really stays with you."
