Jayden McFarlane '26 Recruiting Profile

I started running track in 7th-grade because I had always been relatively fast, and my dad ran track in college. During that 7th-grade track season, I dominated the majority of my competition, which gave me the confidence to take things further into AAU track during the summer. However, AAU track quickly humbled me. I frequently faced adversity that season, with the most common form being competing against gifted athletes who pushed me far beyond what I was familiar with from spring track. However, I didn’t let setbacks define me. I trusted the process, leaned on my coaches, fiercely competed with my teammates, and without complaint I put in the work necessary to improve. By the final meet of the AAU season, I shocked everyone including myself by winning gold in all four of my events. 

This experience represents a pattern in my life. Time and time again, I’ve had to trust myself, stay disciplined, and rely on the influences around me to grow. I approach every challenge with that mindset, whether in track, in the classroom, or within my life. I believe my work ethic, resilience, and ability to adapt set me apart from all others. I’m not just looking to compete at the collegiate level. I’m looking to push myself to new heights, contribute to a team that shares my drive for success, and continue evolving as both an athlete and a student.