Marielle Hirkala '25 Recruiting Profile

                My name is Marielle Hirkala and running has always been my passion. I have been running since the age of six-years-old both competitively and for fun. I first started running because I would watch my mom run and she made running long distance look fun which really inspired me to start join her on runs and races. Running is something that has stayed a consistent part of my life and I could never see myself stop running. I run because not only is it something I just genuinely enjoy but also because it is my outlet for anything that goes on in my life. If I have a bad day or If I get stressed, I pour all of it into my run to push myself and motivate myself even more.

                One adjective I believe people in my life would use to describe me is hardworking. There has never been a time where I gave up on a challenge because I thought it was impossible or too difficult. I accept any challenge and any task with a smile on my face and will push myself to accomplish it. I won most improved award on my cross-country team freshman year because I would pr at every single meet. I continue to drop time and I run every single day, even on rest days so I can get better and better as my season progresses. But not only am I hardworking in my athletics I’m also a hardworking, diligent student. My coaches have always told me that you are a student before you are an athlete and I believe in that statement. I put just as much effort if not more into my schoolwork and grades and I know that this is something about me that will never change.

                I feel that people who have known me would also tell you that I’m respectful, responsible, and trustworthy person. I currently hold a leadership position as a Fellowship of Christian Athletes leader and I’m working on becoming a Unified Sports leader. I treat everyone with respect and show that I’m a leader outside of the clubs that I’m in by being a person who my coaches can count on when our team captains aren’t available to lead, and I make sure that everyone is doing what they are supposed to do.

                I would be honored to be a part of a college level cross country team because I’ve dreamed about running in college since I was little. Getting to connect with more runners like me and better myself in a sport that I love and am dedicated to would mean the absolute world to me. I will remain dedicated to cross country and working to achieving my goals no matter what.