Karen Arellano '16 Recruiting Profile

When I first started running, I knew nothing about the sport. Since then, I have progressively learned and gotten better in many areas over the 5 years that I've been going at it.

The cross country and track club that I'm in, Aftershock Distance Club, has helped me since the beginning of my running career. We have done numerous things to improve my running: form work, drills, speed development, weights, and visualization. These things have led to continuous improvement year after year. Without the support of my coach and my family, I wouldn't be doing what I am today.

My parents say that being talented is important when you want to succeed, but you have to be disciplined and passionate as well. I couldn't agree more. I have 2 amazing parents who work extremely hard to help my 3 sisters and I strive for success. They are great role models who support and encourage me to do the same.

The dedication I show to my sport comes through by managing my priorities and responsibilities wisely. In addition to school and running, I have devoted time to other important things. I do volunteer work in a number of ways in my community. I help at the animal shelter, work at special community events (Brian Mickelsen Memorial and Old Town Mission's Back to School drive), and help with running events at Cottonwood Middle School where I was first introduced to the sport I love. My team and I also volunteer at Oak Creek School in the neighboring town of Cornville. We build and run the Haunted House at their Halloween Carnival.

As important as these things are to me, there's one thing I do that's even more important. I'm the 3rd of 4 sisters in my family. Both of my parents work long hours to provide us with great opportunities. I have a sister with special needs. A lot of my time is devoted to caring for my sister. This has helped me learn about collective responsibility and working as a team. My family is a great team. They reinforce the same things that are important aspects of my running team.

As a student-athlete, I believe in improving until I achieve my highest potential. I'm excited to find a place where this will continue during my college years. The college I go to is somewhere I want to proudly represent in the same way I represent my family and running club.