Ulysses McKittrick '26 Recruiting Profile

My name is Ulysses McKittrick, and it is my dream to run at the collegiate level. I picked up running two summers ago as a way of staying in shape for basketball, and I ran my first race, the NYRR Brooklyn Half Marathon, last May. Through training for the half, I realized that running is my passion. A session at cross country camp, The Running School in Swan Lake, NY, sealed the deal. Despite having begun sport this late in the game, I have worked tirelessly to improve. In October, I was diagnosed with Tibial Stress Syndrome, and it took me off of running for two months. I did not let this stop me. Everyday I was in the pool or gym, swimming, aqua jogging and strength training. I did everything I could to maintain my fitness despite not running, and by December, I was able to go to my club team's last meet of the season, the AAU Nationals. There, I ran only ten seconds slower than my PR. Now that I am healthy, I still apply the same discipline to my training, looking forward to new PR’s and continued growth.  I know what I am capable of, how far I have come, and I will continue to work until I have achieved those goals. My work ethic translates into the classroom as well. I am always willing to go the extra mile for an assignment, I take interesting and rigorous courses and I strive to participate meaningfully in academic discussions.. I value my education more than anything, and I do all I can to make the most of the learning opportunities I have. As a collegiate athlete, I hope to push my teammates on the track and off to become better athletes and students, and in turn, to learn and grow with them myself.