Allyson Arellano '17 Recruiting Profile

I want to compete at the highest level possible, contending for individual and team titles throughout my college years. I'm a hard working and motivated person who loves to have fun. These traits carry into all aspects of my life. Whether it's the classroom, running, or volunteer work, I want to do my absolute best while making the experience fun for myself and those around me.

In the classroom, I work hard to maintain great grades. At the same time, I love learning. Math and Art are my 2 favorite subjects. A major in engineering or another degree that incorporates these areas of study is what I'm looking to pursue in college.

When it comes to running, I have the same approach. I'm passionate about running and racing. I've had the opportunity to compete at a number of high level meets and enjoy great success. I train and race with Aftershock Distance Club, a USATF-affiliated club in Arizona. With my club, I've had the chance to race at several Junior College track meets since the fall of 2012. I've won several events at these meets, focusing heavily on the 3000-meter and 5000-meter distances. There are 2 races I'm especially proud of. At the 2013 Foot Locker West meet, I finished 2nd in the Frosh/Soph all-West race. I also had the fastest time of any girl from Arizona. As great as this was for me, it has motivated me to go back and do even better in the next couple of years. The second race was the 5000-meters at the 2014 Occidental Distance Carnival. I was placed in the 2nd of 3 heats. There were about 35 girls in my heat. The race went out really fast and I got pushed back into the 20s. By 1000 meters, I had worked back up to the lead. I gapped the field and raced alone for the final 3000 meters. It was a tough mental test to maintain my goal pace on my own but the energy of the event, my coach, and my teammates helped me to run 18:10.95, a personal best. Sharing this moment with my teammates made it even better.

Volunteer work has become a big part of my life. I spend a lot of time at the Adopt for Life Center for Animals. Most of my time there is spent walking and socializing with dogs to prepare them for adoption. I love going there. It's a cause I'm very passionate about. I also help out with other community events like home cross country and track meets for Cottonwood Middle School. This is where my running career started. I also help with annual events like the Brian Mickelsen Memorial, Old Town Mission's Back to School drive, and Oak Creek School's Halloween Carnival. For this last event, my team and I build and run the haunted house.

Among my team, I share in the role of being a vocal leader. I've helped create a team atmosphere where we encourage and support each other every day. We love to celebrate team and individual success because we know the support we give each other makes our individual successes everyone's success. I'm excited to find a school and running program where I can provide the same things for my teammates and coaches.