Personal Statement
I first fell in love with running and racing in middle school, and quickly began to set high goals and standards for myself. Despite many trials, tests, and challenges I have faced in the sport, my passion for it has only grown deeper. My hope is that I will find a collegiate program which will help me continue raising the bar for myself, and maximize my potential in running.
I had a relatively successful cross country season my freshman year and grew eager for track and 2018 as a whole. However, track season (and 2018 in general) brought me injury after injury. I fractured my hip in the 3200 at Eastern Relays, then fought to make a comeback over the summer which resulted in a stress fracture during cross country. To fulfill my need for cross training, I joined the swim team, where I was able to set a school record with a relay team. Coming into track of 2019, I came down with chronic apophysitis in my hip, resulting in a slow start to the track season. After working with my orthopedic, physical therapist, and a sports dietician, I became able to run pain free again, developing techniques to keep injuries at bay and deal with the apophysitis. In short, I did not race for approximately fifty weeks (not including 2 cross country races with the stress fracture) but, despite the circumstances, continued to fight for my love of running. I believe the obstacles I have had to overcome in the sport demonstrate my dedication and perseverance.
At the collegiate level, I hope to find a coach that will continue to work with me, if I ever suffer significant injury again, rather than give up on me. If I become part of a team that pushes me to become the best athlete and person I can be on a daily basis, and compete at a high level, then I will consider it success.