Aaliyah Strawser '23 Recruiting Profile

Greetings! My name is Aaliyah Strawser and for the past eight years, I have been enjoying the small-town life in Indiana with my step-dad, mom, sister, and step-sister. Competition is something that has always been high within my family, especially between my sister and me. Since there is only a year between the two of us, we continuously find ourselves trying to top the other one. Over the years we each have had our own sports and time to shine in the spotlight separately,  but track has always been something that we have enjoyed doing together. It may have helped that we have never run the same events either though.  Although, I am pretty sure I have heard others mention a time or two they would like to see a battle of the sisters at least once. 

I have been dancing in studios since I was two, and have also been a member of the competition dance team at school.  However, track fills a void for me that dance just cannot do. Being an active dancer though has allowed me the opportunity to be a better track athlete as far as being conditioned all year round, and the flexibility to have longer jumps in the field.  

Last season seemed a bit challenging for everyone, as we had all been off for an entire year, due to the Pandemic. However, the joy of running was something that I didn't even realize I had missed nearly as much until I hit that track again. When the season ended I was already setting my goals for this upcoming season.  My younger and I are able to help push one another, and we have now started to look at our local school records. We are both determined to break our school records. It isn't for anyone else but for our team.

As I look into moving to the collegiate level of running, I am looking forward to being part of a team that strives for great sportsmanship. While winning is a great feeling, it isn't everything to me. It is about so much more for me. It is about the valuable lessons that I can't wait to learn and experience. Each player of a team has their own story and will play a valuable part in the team. Being a part of a team that pushes one another to be the best they can is the type of team that is important to me too. Nothing about being on a team should be about 'I' except how can 'I' help contribute to the 'Team'. In the end, I hope to be a part of a team that is more like a family.