Victoria Burnette '21 Recruiting Profile

The first time I ever started running was in seventh grade on my middle school cross country team. When I joined, I was very skeptical about it. I knew nothing about the time and effort the sport required. I had never participated on any type of athletic team before, and I was scared that I would not be successful at the sport. I did alright at the practices, but it was not until my first race that I truly connected with running. I got in the top ten on my first race which was better than I thought I could ever do at the time. After that race, my entire outlook on running changed. This is when I realized I had a talent for running, like I was made for it. Over the years since, through both track and cross country, running has become a part of who I am. During the seasons when I run, I feel energized and determined. My grades have always been at their best while I am running. I sleep better, eat better, and overall have a better attitude. 

The greatest gift running has given me is confidence. With each race I did well in, the more assured I became in myself and my abilities. Making all state in both cross country and track last year has given me a huge boost in confidence. Due to that, this year I have been able to attack practices and races with a clear head and ready heart. Running is a very mental sport and being able to tell yourself, “I know I can do this” before a race already gives you an advantage. My newfound confidence has also influenced other parts of my life, especially my social life. Before running on a team, I was extremely introverted and hardly talked to anyone besides my small circle of friends, but now I have the courage to be more talkative around different people. As I have gone from novice to veteran on the cross country and track teams, I have become more of a leader and a better teammate. My confidence has also helped me take chances when it comes to academics including taking harder classes and competing in academic competitions. The biggest example of this is when I chose to compete in an art competition. I was very insecure about my art, but I did well in the contest. Running has also allowed me to face failure and move on, which has helped me improve all aspects of my life. Running has now become as necessary as breathing for me. Without it, I would not be the same person. This is why I want to continue running in college and for the rest of my life. So that I can have something that I can always rely on for strength and resolve.