Breaking Records, Building Dreams

In college, I became the UO Running Club record holder in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay before walking on to the University of Oregon track team.

After college, I wrote a how-to guide that has helped thousands of athletes pursue their Division I dreams.

Backstory

I started running track in middle school and returned to the sport during my junior year of high school. After my soccer career ended, I decided to take track more seriously and became determined to make varsity. I achieved that goal, set personal records, and realized I still had untapped potential in the sport.

Shortly after arriving at the University of Oregon, I had a strong feeling that my track career wasn’t over. That led me to the UO Running Club, where I continued competing and reconnecting with the sport at a deeper level.

During my freshman year, I set new PRs in the 100m and 200m and began chasing the club records in both events. By my sophomore year, I had broken both records and helped set a new 4x100m relay club record.

The following year, I tried out for the Oregon Ducks track and field team and became the only walk-on athlete to make the roster that year. Although my time on the team was short-lived, it remains one of the most meaningful accomplishments and unique experiences of my life.

Looking back, I realized the most meaningful part wasn’t officially being on the team — it was who I became in pursuit of that goal. I had already experienced Hayward Field in a UO Running Club uniform, wearing the “O” and being embraced by the Eugene community all the same.

That’s the real takeaway for me: transformation happens in the pursuit. Sometimes the person you become chasing the dream matters more than the destination itself.