Sarah Collie '13 Recruiting Profile

     When I started track freshman year, I had no idea how well I would do. At first, it was just something to fill my free time. But I realized my passion for running after I won my first race. My coaches were impressed; they told me I could go far. I trained hard and disciplined myself beyond their expectations, even coming home some nights after practice and running more, until I showed them just how far I could go. I placed first in both the 1600m and 3200m in Districts, qualified for Regions, and qualified for State.
     Fall came around, and I decided to run cross country to help me improve in track. I had a good season and I realized that nothing is impossible if you want it badly enough, and believe that you can achieve it. At Regions, I battled through sleet and freezing temperatures for a spot in the top 15. I actually took 13th place that day and qualified for State, a feat that hadn't been accomplished at my school for decades.    
     Next track season, we got a more vigorous training schedule that included morning and weekend runs, and I was there for each one. My friend and I stepped up and lead our young distance team by example. We grew into a family and had pasta parties and Bible studies together. I qualified to run in the Kingsport Times-News Relays, a track meet in which the top nine high school athletes in the area were taken in each event, regardless of age or division. I achieved my personal best in both events, placing fourth and sixth in the 1600m and 3200m, respectively. I finished the season as District and Region Champion in the 1600m and 3200m, and a State qualifier once again.
     I'm hoping that after high school I'll be able to compete at the next level- college sports. At 5'6" and 112 lbs with a 5:36.29 1600m and a 12:31.29 3200m, I want to improve even more. Running with the best athletes across the country and being coached by professionals will do just that. I'm open to schools in- and out-of-state because I want the expereince of seeing new places and meeting new people. I'm not concerned about school size, but I do want to find a college or university that is strong academically and athletically; one that will push me to my fullest potential and prepare me to make the most of my life.