Meet our Running Coach

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About Me

 

My running journey began in 8th grade, with a fast mile in gym class that caught a teacher’s attention. I’m not sure if I was truly fast or if everyone else just wasn’t trying, but that moment set me on a path I would never forget. The teacher encouraged me to try cross country the following year—and I decided to give it a shot.

 

My first year of cross country was tough. I struggled through 5Ks in the 28-minute range, battling a persistent hip injury, and I’m pretty sure it was painful to watch me run. I was even told that running might not be my thing. Yet, I found something more important than immediate success: I made new friends, built endurance through basketball season, and decided to keep training with guidance from an assistant coach who told me I just needed time to develop a base.

 

That summer, I trained every day. By the next season, my 5K times had dropped from 28 minutes to 24 minutes. Encouraged by steady progress, I continued to push myself. The assistant coach who believed in me became my mentor. I absorbed every piece of advice he offered, trying my best to keep up with him on every run—especially on the hills, where his long strides challenged me to get better. By the end of the next year, I had cut my 5K time from 24 minutes to 21 minutes, and I had fallen in love with running. I was addicted to the post-workout high, the thrill of pushing my limits, and the sense of contributing to my team.

 

Just as things were looking up, a basketball injury changed everything: I tore my ACL and faced surgery. I was heartbroken, terrified, and unsure if I would ever run again. But with surgery, relentless rehabilitation, and the patience of my mom, I slowly made my way back.

 

By March of the following year, I was back on the roads and trails. I trained all year, ran cross country, and eventually made it to States with a personal record in the 5K- breaking 20 minutes. That resilience carried me to Westminster College, where I faced more challenges but ultimately achieved great success in both cross country and track. I still hold multiple distance records, was inducted into the Westminster Hall of Fame, and was honored on the 60th Anniversary PAC team. My years at Westminster were truly special—filled with growth, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories.

 

Tragedy struck again in my final week of college when my mom passed away in a tragic accident. In the years that followed, running became my lifeline—a way to process grief, challenge myself, and prove that I was strong and capable. However, I also faced health challenges, developing RED-S and numerous overuse injuries due to insufficient fueling and recovery. However, I learned to heal, restore my health, and regain balance in my life.

 

Today, my priorities have shifted, but running remains central to who I am. I am now a proud mom to a beautiful son, and sometimes we share our runs together—him in the stroller and me chasing new goals. Running has taught me resilience, discipline, and joy, and it continues to be both my sanctuary and my passion.

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