Michaela Bracken '18 Recruiting Profile

I’ve always loved to run.  When I was a kid, my cousins and I would have races in my grandma’s back yard.  I began track in junior high and fell in love with the sport.  I immediately placed in every meet and consistently contributed the most points to my team.  I wanted to learn as much as I could from the older hurdlers.  My freshman year of high school was my first year competing on Varsity in both cross country and track.   I was the top runner in each and lettered in both sports.  I broke United High School's two hurdle records that season and became a State qualifier in the 100 meter hurdles.    

My sophomore year, I ran cross country to train for both speed and endurance.  I then continued to break my own hurdle records in track along with a new 4x4 record with my team.  It was an honor to receive three “Outstanding Track Athlete” awards at different meets as well as break several large meet records. Our team received an All Conference title and made history in our school.  I was District Champion in both hurdle events and was a State qualifier in each. I earned a 6^th place medal at the PIAA State Track Meet in the 300 hurdles.

During my junior track season I broke the school record in the 200 and tied the high jump record along with resetting my own 300 hurdle record at the PIAA State meet.  This year I qualified for states in three events (100h, high jump, 300h) and placed 5th in the 300s.

I have worked with the same personal trainer since 8^th grade and continue to train and work on technique.

I study hard in school and challenge myself to be the best that I can.  Taking AP and honors classes, I maintain high honor roll.  I am a member of Student Council where we serve the community with events different times in the year. I live on a farm and consider loading hay with my grandfather and family a “good strength workout.”  Growing up in the country has provided me open spaces to run.  I have also been a dancer for 11 years, and believe it has given me a foundation of flexibility, core strength and discipline.  My hobby is photography and I love to travel. I spent many summers serving on mission trips with my church around the US and world.

I’ve been told I’m very teachable and learn quickly and have fun!  Most of all, I love cheering on my team and friends and try to mentor the younger athletes as the older ones did with me.  I have passion and determination.  It is my desire to compete at the collegiate level.  With the support of my family and coaches, I will continue to work hard, train and give 100%.