Emily D’Souza '26 Recruiting Profile

My first memory running was in fourth grade, when my gym teacher told my class it was time for the mile run portion of the fitness test. At first, like everyone, I complained, not wanting to try something new or even give running a chance. As we boarded the bus to my local high school's track, nerves started to creep through my body, but I tried my best to stuff them as far down as possible. As I finished my second lap, I realized I was actually having fun. I continued to push myself, with the goal of picking off as many people in front of me as possible. I finished with a big smile across my face not only because I had passed with flying colors, but more importantly, I loved every moment of it. This was the first of many races to come. Little did I know this day had ignited a spark in me that I would carry for the rest of my life.

Throughout the year I participated in a few local road races and fun runs. Besides for running, I have always had a passion for music, taking piano and violin lessons, as well as singing at a very young age. I had always been used to balancing a lot of activities as well as academics driving far multiple times a week for music rehearsals at my choir school. After the COVID Pandemic hit, I lost a lot of my sense of self with my choir school being shut down, and I felt extremely empty. This was when I decided to start taking running more seriously to help fill the void. I began training 5-6 days a week trying my best to keep up with my older brothers as they would go out on their morning runs. I entered into many virtual 5k races, motivating me to set personal goals. To me, the idea of pushing my body and mind to its limits was so thrilling. Knowing that there was no limit to how fast I could run, and that I could always do better got me excited to become a faster and stronger version of myself every day. My choir director, Tom Brand, always told me to "Be the best you could be" and I have carried that with me in all aspects of my life, especially running. I have the constant desire and drive to always want to be a better athlete and human being, and set very high standards for myself. 

 I joined my first Cross Country and Track team in 7th grade, with the goal of breaking 6 minutes in the 1600. If I had told fourth grade Emily that she not only had that goal, but accomplished that goal, she wouldn't have believed it. This year taught me a lot about how powerful my mind and positive beliefs were. The following year, I dreamt of breaking our school's girls 1600 record. I spent the summer training as hard as I could in hopes to accomplish my goal. After a very successful 8th grade cross country season and winter training block, I felt ready and geared up to spend the spring chasing the 1600 record. 

Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned. I tore my hamstring as I was running the last leg of the 4x400, and my season ended there. This injury was the hardest thing I had ever dealt with. COVID had taken away something I loved before, but this was different because I was the one that took this passion away from me. I felt constant guilt and sadness that I was unable to accomplish my goal. Running always helped me get through challenges in my life. It became a coping mechanism and crutch to lean on, and I felt lost without it. As much as I struggled during this time, I learned a lot from it. Running is such a gift, and I was so incredibly lucky to experience it before and a couple months after the injury. I learned to be happy where I was. As important as it is to focus on goals, I had been so wrapped up in them prior to tearing my hamstring that I didn't realize how lucky I was to be running in the first place. I also learned that life always gets better. This injury taught me a lot about resilience and to remain positive, because this setback was only temporary. I spent the summer recovering and gearing up for the next adventure: High School Sports!

My first two years of high school running have had many ups and downs to say the least. I began to struggle with the mental side of running and put my self worth fully into my performances. I've struggled finding balance between school, sports, music, family, and giving time for myself. However, every now and again I am reminded of how lucky I am to get to experience such a beautiful sport, where we test our limits and grow as people. I am reminded that all the literal blood, sweat, and tears, are truly so worth it. I am reminded by the teamates and coaches that I have found family in. I am reminded when all the pieces of the puzzle are finally found, and the goal you have been working hard towards has finally been acheived.

Running gives me a sense of fullness that I can't find anywhere else, which is why it is my dream to continue running at the collegiate level. Throughout my time running, I have learned many lessons about having drive, determination, and resilience which I will take with me throughout the next 4 years in college and beyond. I also work to maintain my academics, and hold myself to a very high expectation in terms of my grades. I hope to be considered as a candidate for your team.