Samantha Kelly '20 Recruiting Profile

Through running, I have not only grown athletically, but I have learned a lot about myself in the process. Through my time as a member of cross country and track I have learned what it means to be a part of a team, and to encourage one another while chasing a dream. I have learned how to be a leader and to encourage others to never give up. Whether on the track or in the classroom, I follow those same rules. I challenge myself to try new things, and no matter how uncomfortable it gets, I don't give up. At the end of all the hard work comes a feeling of accomplishment and pride. Pride does not only come from winning a race or a meet, in fact many times I have dug the deepest and tried my hardest during the times when I did not see a victory in the form of a ribbon or a medal. A personal highlight in my high school running career was being a member of the girls 4x4 relay team that set a school record. I gained a powerful sense of teamwork and dedication from working together as we prepared to qualify for States. However, it wasn't meant to be, and our record breaking team did not make it. That experience helped me grow as a person and as an athlete. It lead me to refocus myself and to learn that you cant look back, only forward. Without a trophy I learned that the most important thing is to work as a team and finish as a family. 

I am looking for a program that will be a good fit for me athletically as well as academically. I believe that I have the drive , dedication, and discipline to compete for a college team. I have a strong character and work-ethic that will benefit a team, yet I know I have much to learn and am open to learning new things, accepting the challenges put before me, and embracing the spirit of a team. I look forward to achieving great things. High school is not the end to my story, I have only just begun.