Brooke Ruffin '19 Recruiting Profile

As I tied my shoes for my first 5K back in middle school, I remember thinking how much I loved to run. As I crossed the finish line, my life changed. A new passion for running was ignited within me that day. Running challenges me and motivates me to look forward to each day. I grew up as a competitive swimmer for the North Baltimore Aquatic Club [NBAC], where I still swim competitively. I learned from an early age the true meaning of dedication and perseverance, which served me well my first year of Cross Country. Soon after I made the Varsity Cross Country team my freshman year, I became injured. I was unable to run for eight weeks and my first cross country season was over before it even began. It was devastating for me. The time I spent recovering from my injury though changed me into the runner I am today. I learned how to cross-train and use my swimming to stay in shape during my injury. I learned new strength exercises to develop my legs and hips, changed my diet to strengthen my bones and strengthened my mind to be able to overcome any obstacle. The tremendous support of my family and coaches was instrumental in making this past cross country season great from our team’s wins in Counties and Regionals to my individual win in the Rising Stars race at NXR to my current wins in outdoor track. My goal moving forward is to take my running as far as I can go. My motto is: Never ever give up!