Hannah Ludwig '23 Recruiting Profile

Athletics has always been a part of my life.  It keeps me focused, assists with achieving small and long-term goals, and encourages me to work with other athletes with the same goals. I choreograph dances that have taken me to district and national competitions, as well as performing in Africa (missionary work) and several churches.  When I was younger, I was the only girl on a little league baseball team.  My aunt and uncle have a summer camp I go to each year and we do competitive activities and sports.  Cross country and track  has become my favorite sport. People do not expect me to run fast because of my height and it is fun to prove them wrong.  I accept challenges all the time from guys who think they can outrun me, and it is enjoyable watching their reaction when I beat them. To me, running isn't just about competition, but something I also do on my own for fun.

Having the opportunity to become a collegiate student-athlete would impact my future for several reasons.  Running is a part of who I am, whether on or off the track.  Getting to do it in college would be a dream come true.  I desire to go to school and learn about agriculture and animal science so I can take this information overseas and teach people in poverty-stricken areas how to provide for themselves. My mother and I sold everything and lived in Mozambique, Africa for three months as missionaries to and I would like to go back one day. I hope to find a wonderful school to achieve these goals and I believe I can use my skills to do this.  I am in school online in a Christian Academy and attend Godby High School only for track and field.  My social interaction has been through theatre, youth at my church, camp, ministry, and dance.  It would be nice knowing that when I go away to college, I will be able to make friends with people that have the same interests.  I discipline myself and learn both on and off the track.  I work very hard on studying speed, endurance, attitude, and how to be the best athlete I can be.

If I am accepted, it would give me a head start to reach my goals and give my mother peace of mind.  After coming back from Africa in December 2017, the place we were supposed to stay and do ministry in Florida was no longer available and so we traveled one year living with small ministries and families.  My mother was offered a great opportunity at her old job.  Shortly after we were in a severe car accident on October 31, 2018, and smashed between two cars on a bridge.  She had a concussion, surgery on her eardrum, many herniated discs, physical therapy, and has had chronic pain since.  She was not able to start the job and was without work for a long time.  Now she sells health insurance online at home.  The money from the accident paid for her medical bills and time not working.  She always put me first and I would like for her to have peace knowing we have the help we need.  My mom went back to college with four kids and no child support and graduated with a bachelor’s degree and a 4.0.  She has taught me how important education is and wants us all to achieve our dreams.  My older sister is 27 and now paying her way through nursing school, my brother graduated from college last year and is a pastor at a church.  He had a scholarship, but my mother was not able to help pay for my two sisters to go to college. I would like to do everything on my end to reach my goals and would not waste this opportunity.