Avery O'Neill '23 Recruiting Profile

My name is Avery O’Neill, I am an athletic and academic teenage girl from Collingwood, Ontario. 

I have been racing competitively from the age of eight years old. I was always inspired by dad and always strived to be just like him. So, I started joining him on his afternoon runs. I immediately loved being able to do something with my dad, as well as the challenge that came with running.  Following this I joined my elementary school cross country team and discovered my love for the sport. Since then I have joined South Simcoe Dufferin Track Club and have competed at the provincial and national level. From the beginning of my running journey, I have always had high goals, and have worked extremely hard to achieve them. If that meant waking up early before school to get a run or workout in, then that is what I did. Throughout my years as an athlete I have come across many set-backs that have taken me away from training. Though these were difficult at the time and it annoyed me that I couldn't do what I loved, I still worked through them, adapted and maintained a strong focus on my goals.

While constantly working to improve my athletic performance, my academics are also extremely important to me. I have been able to balance my year-round training, academics, as well as a part-time job throughout my high school career, to make certain that I am giving my best in all aspects of my life. I am a dedicated student and have maintained a strong GPA. I am an active and positive member in my school and community by volunteering throughout the school, being a member of a variety of clubs such as student and athletic council, and offering my time to local charities and other programs.  

I am constantly working hard and putting in the effort to improve my performance on the track and trails, I am easily coachable, always accept a challenge, and strive to always do my best in anything and everything I do. My top goal that I am currently striving for is to continue to be a competitive track and cross country runner at a University that will offer me great academics as well as training and competition. I am currently focusing on my 1500m and 3000m performance on the track.