Olivia Tolkinen '19 Recruiting Profile

I stand behind the white line, crouching at the ready.  Next to me, my fellow runners do the same, but my eyes are not on them. I stay focused ahead while I visualize my goal with determination and confidence, and that makes all the difference.

People always ask me why I run. They ask me if I think it’s fun. Of course, the answer is yes. But I run because it is the only thing that can drain me and fill me up at the same time. Every breath fills me with an undefined burning desire to run just a little bit faster, and every step reminds me of my goal to run at the collegiate level. Ultimately, my answer is that I run because I love it and can’t imagine myself not running. 

Additionally, I consider myself a well-balanced person. I am a hard-worker and give 110% no matter what I am doing, whether it be in school, on the track, or any other extracurricular activity. I am also caring and supportive towards my teammates, my family, and have a high level of respect for my coaches. 

 An important aspect in my life that has changed me as a person is that I give back to the community by regularly going to a local homeless shelter for teens where I get to meet and learn about people who are less fortunate. I help them make sandwiches that we later deliver to the homeless on the streets. This experience opens my eyes to how great my life is, and that I have this opportunity to run and do what I love 

My commitment to running is much like my commitment to my education.  Every class I take with pride and dedication. That is why it is very important to me that I can find a college that will be able to give me a good education and a place to continue my love of running.