Aren Alexander-Battee '19 Recruiting Profile

Hard work, pushing myself, and listening to the coaches around me has been the catalyst to my achievements in running the past two years. Since the end of 10th grade, when I realized that I had to become a much better runner in order to run in college, I sat down and set a difficult, but possible, goal that has helped me push myself to help my team each season.  I want to take my running to the next level on a college team and learn how to race better and more effectively. Working with coaches to find the best training plans and the right Track events for me is something I am excited for. 

As well as being a runner, I am a dancer/singer/actor.  I am looking for a college where I can be a team player in Cross Country/Track and obtain a degree in Musical Theatre.

My original motivation when beginning High School Cross Country was that I was not fast enough to run varsity but I wanted a varsity letter. The only chance I had was to break an 18 minute 3 mile, which automatically meant a varsity letter. I worked hard throughout the season and earned my letter. More importantly I learned I can achieve very difficult goals if I put the work in.

I plan to act professionally on Broadway in musicals; so I am applying to colleges with Musical Theatre degrees and strong connections to the industry, most of which are audition only.  This is how I created my preferred college choice list. Currently, I am balancing running with dance lessons (8-10 hours/week), choir, and plays. I am hoping to find a school where I am able to have major roles in productions and still be able to compete in Cross Country and Track.  

People have told me that I would not be able to balance all of my activities through High School, yet I placed 9th and helped my team get 2nd at State Cross Country and placed 9th in the 1600 and 10th in the 3200 at State Track as well as performed in four plays last year. I believe there is a fit for me somewhere that will provide a great college running career and get me to Broadway after I graduate.

Academically, I have worked hard to do well in my classes.  I have always been a slow reader, so I am continually working to overcome my challenges. Currently, I am working to increase my reading speed.