Elizabeth Joy '20 Recruiting Profile

My love of running sprouted from family fun run 5Ks around the age of five and grew into a passion which has filled me with determination to achieve my goal of competing at a collegiate level. I want to run with the best of the best not only at a collegiate level, but a worldwide level, the Olympics. Nothing sounds more appealing than a new atmosphere, more adrenaline, and the eyes of thousands looking upon me. I plan to not just run for a college, but to win for a college.

I am definitely a good candidate for any team. My ability to focus not only on my personal aspirations, but those of my teammates is something I demonstrate immensely. I have spirit and a positive attitude which tends to rub off on those around me. My leadership ability is a strong character trait I possess, which is why my teammates and coaches picked me to be captain of the Kubasaki Cross Country team as a sophomore. I am filled with a desire to prove myself and I do not let a bad race determine my ability, but instead use it to motivate me. I understand that there is always room for improvement in everything I do and I take well to constructive criticism.

I am not just another athlete looking to get recruited. Academics have never been a concern, for I am always on top of my work, and nothing below a B+ has ever appeared on a report card of mine. I reach out to teachers and coaches when I am confused or in of need assistance, whether it be academics or athletics. As for character, I have a determination most don’t possess. I move every 3 years due to my dad’s job, United States Marine Corps, however, Okinawa, Japan was our longest duty station at 5 1/2 years. The coaching in Okinawa is all volunteer work, therefore I have never experienced a coach whose primary focus is the sport alone until my junior year at Geneva HS. Even with those obstacles I was the number one girl in Cross Country at Kubasaki for two years. At Far East, the equivalent to State, I took 4th place my freshman year and 2nd place my sophomore year. Respectively, I received the Cross Country MVP award both freshman and sophomore year and upon moving to Ohio my team awarded me the MVP award my junior year even having only ran with them for a season. Additionally, I was chosen for the Cross Country Coaches award my sophomore year. I am no longer living in Japan, as I moved to Ohio in June of 2018. Since arriving, I have attended a Nike Running Summer Camp and train at Spire Institute where I also work as a hired lifeguard. I am loving living in the United States and have adapted quickly and comfortably to the large pool of talent surrounding me, as my life experiences have taught me to do.