Lilyahna Engebretsen '20 Recruiting Profile

Twelve years ago my parents blessed me, Lilyahna - a 4 year old Alaskan Native girl, with the opportunity to begin growing mentally and physically as I began year-round training in gymnastics, four to six days per week.  I was quickly educated in ways that I could have never grasped without the gratitude that I have for all of my coaches that have poured countless hours into my physical and mental strength through hours of training during the season and even more in the off-season months.  While track is a short outdoor season in Alaska, my trainers are willing to find indoor track time at local facilities to keep pushing me on a daily basis to be the best athlete possible.  The mental discipline requires constant attention to my nutrition as well as making sure I find quality time to still care for those in my life that have sacrificed for my better good without sacrificing time at the track and in the weight room.  Finding a healthy balance in life has truly given me opportunities to be successful due to my willingness to train daily, show love to my family, respect the timely manner in which my coaches need me to train/push my selfless to limits I didn't think possible, and still find time to remain focused in the classroom to maintain a GPA of 3.3 or higher throughout my career at a prestigious secondary high school that requires an application and interview to be accepted.  

    Collegiate goals are to receive my bachelors in marine-biology while pushing myself to become the best student athlete my mind and body can become.  

*  Please take note, I ran one 400 Meter Hurdle race 1 month after my track season last summer with a 1:17 flat.  I enjoyed challenging my with the 400 Hurdles and I am looking forward to pushing my self and seeing my time go down in this event.