Personal Statement
Update September 2019: Grace is attending Monmouth University, Long Branch NJ and is a member of the women's cross country and track team. Monmouth is a Division 1 school competing in the MAAC.
800m Winner, Group 4 South Sectionals Video, Feb. 11, 2018, time 2:21.43
2:20 800M Video from Holmdel Twilight Series April 2017, running the first leg of 4x800.
I am a three-season runner. Currently, I am a junior at Shawnee High School (NJ), a large Group 4 school, with competitive cross country, indoor and outdoor track teams. I've been running since I was six years old. Running has been my passion for 10 years now. It has been the largest part of my life and influenced everything from my friendships to my determination to do my best on the track and in the classroom.
As I have progressed through each level of track I was building on my goal to run at the collegiate level. I am eagerly looking forward to running track, specifically the 800m at a competitive college program which is also competitive at it's conference championship meets. I believe that my combination of endurance and speed will make a great combination for any college team. Versatility has always been one of my strong suits. As a cross country runner I have great endurance and my speed has allowed me to excel in both the 400m and 800m. I have run both legs as well as the 1200m in relay teams and individually.
My determination has led me to part of record setting relay teams and to compete at New Balance Nationals and the Penn Relays. Track has always been an area where my leadership skills have shone through. Even as an underclassman, I have been a team leader in many areas like making sure everything runs smoothly at practice and meets and motivating girls on the team to run their best in races. In 8th grade, my team placed 2nd in the nation at AAU Nationals Cross Country at Rim Rock Farm, University of Kansas.
I am looking forward to becoming a team captain in both track and cross country during my senior year. As a three season runner in high school I have learned to balance my school work and do well on the track. Competitive running has allowed me to reach my goals and taught me to be a better person, student and athlete.
Grace Kearns NJ MileSplit Page link for more stats, photos, videos