Hannah Smalley '21 Recruiting Profile

    You never know how important something is in your life until you are faced with the possibility of not being able to do it any longer. As a 9th grader, this is the challenge I was faced with. As the top runner on my team going into the cross country season, after a highly successful varsity season as an 8th grader, I was diagnosed with a serious injury called bilateral compartment syndrome. Through the year, I continued to be a positive leader on my team, even though my performance was hindered. I found that the best way to lead would be through my own perseverance. Although I was unable to compete in cross country that year, I fought my way through winter and spring track, accomplishing all league, all division and MVP status, and qualifying for the Long Island Elite Meet for the 1000m run.

    Fast forward to this fall, my sophomore year; after having a bilateral fasciotomy on my shins, I returned to cross country just 8 weeks later. In the beginning, my training was painful, difficult and sometimes frustrating. I wanted to be where I was prior to my surgery. I also knew as a leader on my team, my teammates would look to me as a role model. As I continued to improve, girls from all over who were aware of my injury, began to reach out to me with their own struggles for guidance and reassurance. I felt honored and humbled that something once so frustrating, became a way for me to connect with and help so many others. I finished my cross country season post surgery by making my way to the state qualifiers. As I continue to heal, my winter season is proving to be successful. Sometimes its when we struggle the most, that we can achieve the most.

    While running is such a huge part of who I am, my desire to become a veterinarian keeps me grounded in my studies. I maintain an unweighted GPA of 3.9 while tackling a rigorous advanced placement course load. I'm looking forward to continue my development as a runner through college, but also, I am looking for a strong pre-veterninary science program. I hope to find a team and a school that shares in my desire to excel, not only athletically, but academically.