Elizabeth Gallagher '21 Recruiting Profile

    Running has always been a part of me; however, it took me until my freshman year of high school to figure that out. I never saw running as a punishment. To me, running was freedom. The freedom to choose how fast you go to get the time you want. When I was younger, before I even registered what times meant, I would continuously run for hours at a time on the track. My parents would sign me up for fun runs, but I did not understand the concept of racing or even winning. This foundation, that was built in me as a child blossomed into who I am now.  Now I am on a journey to succeed as a runner. 

    My athletic mindset shifted primarily to track and field. As a freshman, I made it to States Opens alongside my 4x100m team. This opened my eyes. I watched many of the races that day and witnessed the accomplishments. Each runner was filled with a desire to win and that was inspiring to me as a beginner. Immediately I began to set goals for myself that I intended to accomplish. For example, at the end of outdoor track, there was a specific time that I was determined to get.  With very little time left in the season, I managed to get my goal 200 meter time as a freshman. This small piece of success showed me that track does not have any limits, if you are willing to go through what it takes to be successful. 

    Moving forward, I entered my sophomore year of Indoor Track. WIthout a doubt, I will never forget this season. I faced more hardship and adversity than I ever have. However, this made me a stronger athlete and student. During the championship meet of the Shoreline League Conference, I was the top seed for the 55 meter race. As I was enthusiastic about running it, at the start the gun went off, while I was still in set. Ultimately, it was a race of lessons.  This race did discourage me, but it never made me stop trying.  In fact, I came back in the 300 meter later that afternoon stronger than ever. With confidence, I ran a personal record to conclude that meet. This taught me that running is a lot like life. You will be faced with obstacles, but you cannot let them drag you down. 

    My sophomore outdoor season was something special. I feel in love with a race that I had never run before. I was introduced to the 400 meter and instantly loved it.  I ran it three times during this season, and each time I ran it faster. This was shown all the way up to the state meet where I placed and scored a point for my team.  

    This is what makes me a good candidate for your team. I do not let the tough moments drag me down. I fight back for my dreams, and I chase them down to the finish line. This is relative across track and in my academics. I am a go getter and when I set a goal, I intend to reach it.