Fiona Collins '22 Recruiting Profile

Hi y'all, I'm Fiona Collins, a senior at Ben Franklin High School in New Orleans. I run cross country, indoor track, and track. I also love to participate in local road races, when I have the chance. I'm a top student, in the National Honor Society, and in all A.P. classes. I've competed on the Varsity team since 9th grade, and was MVP for the cross country team last year. 

Running with my teammates keeps me sane in the midst of this pandemic, and super weird school year with virtual and hybrid classes. I know I'm lucky that with some modifications, I can continue to practice my sport. Competitions have been a challenge this year, because the amount of local meets is limited, and some meets are already filled, so our school does not have access to many of the meets. I'm dedicated to a rigorous training program, even when it's on my own. Our team is very close, and we share workouts, support, and even uniforms with one another. Whatever they need. They are like my second family. 

My goals for running in college include: hitting 5:00 flat for the 1600 meter race, and reaching sub 18:00 for the 3 mile, while pursuing an intensive degree in a pre-med discipline. I am interested in eventually studying dentistry to become an oral surgeon. It is a dream of mine to take a running vacation to run 100+ miles along the Pacific Coast Highway in Northern California. 

I love adventure, and I need to work out every day. Running has always been a part of my life. I have run cross country since 3rd grade, and track since 5th grade, but I began running when I was about 6 years old with my family in local races. I've competed in 3 half marathons, my first at 12 years old. In 2018, I ran a 15 mile trail run on Orcas Island, up a mountain in Washington State. We camped onsite before the event, and the next morning was gorgeous trail running with breathtaking views of the Pacific. 

I've dabbled in triathlon, training with a local club while in middle school. In 2019, I competed in a swim around Key West, as part of a relay team. That race pushed me past my comfort zone, and challenged me in new ways, with the ocean currents, the extremely warm water, and the jellyfish and nurse sharks on the course. It was one of the most exciting things I've ever done. 

I am a unique prospect for recruitment because, as much as I love running, I also value being a part of a team, and I focus heavily on training and my academics. I am tenacious. I always have all A's in my classes, which are all AP and Honors. Service is an extremely important aspect to my school life. I am the treasurer and service coordinator of the Pre-Med Club, and volunteer most Saturdays for my Baking a Difference Club bake sales. I am also very well rounded and culturally aware; I constantly wish to gain new perspectives. I discuss cultural issues and political issues in the Middle Eastern Cultural Club. Because of my perfect grades, I was invited to join the National Honors Society at my school this year, which is also a community in which I pursue service projects.