Running's Influence On My Academic Career

I am so thankful for the opportunities I have had in Westfield, so proud to be a Shamrock, and so determined to pay it forward to help younger student athletes in our community. I never thought that running thousands of miles over four years through the same town would mean so much to me. As I reflect on all the moments spent doing what I love, the relationships I have formed stand out most to me. Running has given me my best friends, and my best friends have helped me learn what it means to work hard, to overcome adversity, and to keep a positive attitude. They showed me what it takes to to be an effective leader and captain.

Running has definitely influenced my academic career. In a sport where mental toughness is often as important as physical strength and endurance, running for Westfield has given me the confidence and assurance to excel in times of difficulty in school as well. When I think a three hour AP exam seems exhausting, I think in terms of running toughness: if I can run for 3.1 miles maintaining a sub six minute mile pace in the heat of a summer afternoon when every part of my body aches, I can sit comfortably and focus through this test. Cross country and track have developed my love for science. I absolutely love applying the knowledge I learned from

I credit my Westfield coaches, Mr. Lidskin, Mr. Wachtel, Mrs. Ogle and Shane Moore, for not only providing me with the necessary physical training, but also being the best mentors I could have. My admiration for past Westfield runners such as Maggie Bingham, Kristina Krasich, Breanne Ehrman, Kaitlyn Love, Whitney Bevins and Waverly Neer, many of whom have gone on to have successful college careers and even professional ones, have inspired me to be like them. In the future, I hope that young runners in Westfield will regard me the way I regard