Eli Williams '24 Recruiting Profile

I am addicted to running. It is an integral piece of the person I am today and the person I will be tomorrow. As a middle schooler making the bold or possibly naive decision to try distance running altered the trajectory, lifestyle, and goals of my future person. Running was new and it wasn't easy, I cried during my first race. But, I stayed between the two white lines guiding me around the track until I crossed the finish line. Yes, running was hard and to be honest, it never got easier, but I loved it.

When I got to high school I knew I needed to be on top of things. Not just in athletics but in academics as well. The title of student-athlete is something that a person should be proud of. To be a valuable student-athlete an equilibrium of effort needs to be met between the two. It has always been my philosophy to finish what I start with consistent effort throughout. This applies to many aspects of life and has helped me to become a valuable student and athlete. This philosophy is what has allowed me to bring home report cards lined with As as well as shiny blue state champion trophies.

As far as academics go I am class rank 1 in my junior class with a 4.0 and am a member of the National Honors Society. I am currently taking many advanced and dual credit courses to set myself up for success in the future. I also make time during the week to help as a coach's assistant to my town's middle school track team. I believe that my athletic and academic prowess combined help make me a valuable asset to universities across America.

I have been a varsity runner for my high school's track and cross-country team since my freshman year. I hope the steady consistent growth I have shown as a runner over the years will add to my athletic appeal, especially under instruction from a coach at the collegiate level. Not to mention the hundreds of miles I put in between seasons running in the face-numbing snowy Eastern Oregon winters and the high altitude mountains I work in during the summer which contribute exponentially to my output during the sports season.

I have had many coaches and positive role models throughout my running career who inspire me to push myself harder. Coming from the small community I live in, many of my peer influences have been from other schools. But, the relationships I have built with these individuals have given me the greatest sense of competition and comradery I could have asked for. Competing in college is a dream of mine to maintain the spirit of running culture in my life while I continue my academic growth.