Grace McAuley '16 Recruiting Profile

I am a hardworking athlete who cares about my team as a whole and am not focused just on personal records. I display qualities of leadership, courage, and endurance. I run with my heart and care deeply about my teammates. I am trustworthy and can excel under pressure. I am well-rounded athletically, socially, and academically and can adapt well into any kind of team.

I started running cross country my freshman year of high school and started running on and off with the Varsity team in the first month of training. I was driven to prove that I had what it took to be part of the elite group. I had never run competitively beforehand so I was testing new waters. Previously, I was a gymnast, dedicated ballerina, basketball player, and golfer. This wide range of sports allowed me to experience all aspects of competition: the artistic, technical, mental, and physical sides. 

Going into high school I had the mindset of playing on the golf team. However, I realized that I might become bored with the sport and spontaneously decided to join cross country. I had always been faster than my friends and had run with the boys in all the mile time trials in elementary and middle school so I gave running a try. It turned out I was better than expected and was invited to go to my high school cross country team's annual summer training camp in Mammoth, CA. Only certain runners are invited to go to this camp due to the strenuous workouts performed between 8,000 to 10,000 feet above sea level. I was one of the few freshman girls to be invited and I was quite nervous but extremely honored to be there. The week was tough. No actually, it was utterly miserable. The burning in my lungs and muscles every time I ran was enough to make me want to go home. However the satisfaction I received from finishing those 13 mile runs at high altitude and the bonding experiences I was given with team mates made the pain worth it. This first taste of being part of a team that looked out for one another, who complained together, and pushed limits we didn't even know existed together was exhilarating. From then on I knew that running was a choice I wouldn't regret.

Sadly, my freshman and sophomore cross country and track seasons were plagued by injuries. I went through torn ligaments, stress fractures, severely sprained ankles, and shin splints. I was in the weight room on the stationary bike or the elliptical everyday for 2 years trying to stay in shape and nurse my injuries for a season I might not even have. The amount of mental endurance I developed through these years was remarkable and the patience I exercised has helped me to no end. I can't say I never became frustrated, but in the end I was able to get bunion surgery during the Spring of 2014 which has been able to limit my injuries and has allowed me thus far to perform well.

On the academic side, I am involved in numerous clubs such as the Academy of Science and Medicine, California Scholarship Federation, Falcon Christian Fellowship, National Honors Society, Falcon Christian Athletes, Books for Kids, and CV Youth Alliance. I am currently an officer for 4 of these clubs. In addition, I have a 4.0 GPA unweighted and a 4.3 GPA weighted. I have also taken or am currently taking extra classes such as biotechnology, research, and sports medicine since I am interested in pursuing a career in the medical field.

Outside of school I am deeply involved and am part of the worship band at my church, La Crescenta Presbyterian Church. I am also a member of National Charity League with my mom. We perform community service and charitable works for the greater Los Angeles area and I really enjoy my time spent giving back. I have gone on numerous church retreats and mission trips involved in aiding tribes in Arizona build churches. I plan to travel to the Dominican Republic next summer on a mission trip to help build schools and set up clean water filters there. 

Overall I live for God for He is the one who has blessed me with all the aforementioned. I would not be able to run or be successful without his gifts for me. I am so thankful and I want to glorify His name through all that I do. He truly does make all things work together for our good and I want to pursue Him in every way possible because He deserves all praise. My favorite Bible verse that exemplifies and encourages me is Hebrews 12:1 "And let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."