I can’t write one article or make one video that would fully encompass what it takes to become an NCAA champion. There are a multitude of paths that people take to earn that coveted title. However, I can highlight my own story which, I think, demonstrates the struggle behind the success. When an athlete wins their first NCAA title, it is often seen as “coming out of nowhere.” For example, Karisa Schweizer out kicking Anna Rohrer and Erin Finn to win the 2016 NCAA Cross Country crown, or Mahala Norris of Air Force running a huge personal best to win the 2021 NCAA Steeplechase title. Behind these breakout performances, there were years of consistent training and improvement, but people only see the race result.
Similarly, when I won my first steeplechase title in 2017, people thought that it had come easily to me due to my success during my 2015 season of cross. During the 18 months between those performances though, I experienced set backs, hardship, frustration, personal growth, and a complete change in training composition. When I crossed the line as a national champion, I felt like a different person than the one who had placed runner-up in 2015 cross country. The path that I took to becoming a national champion is different from anyone else’s, but it demonstrates the adversity that athletes face and the perseverance that’s required to reach the top. Hear the full story through the link below.
