Penny Fenn '16 Recruiting Profile

 I’m excited about becoming a successful collegiate runner who is able to compete at a high level for conference titles. I’m looking for a program and school that is well represented on and off the field of competition. I’m hard working, focused, dedicated, and willing to do all the little things required for achieving my fullest potential. The program I’m searching for should be more than just a team. It should be a place where coaches and athletes fully support each other so we can all be successful, where team and individual success is important and celebrated.

Success in the classroom is very important to me. I know success in the classroom leads to success in other areas of my life. I value those learning opportunities that not only build intelligence but also provide for creativity and new ways of thinking. I’m open to learning and experiencing new things, building a better understanding of the world around me, and collaborating with others in the learning process.

Running and racing are passions of mine. I train and compete with Aftershock Distance Club, a USATF running club in Arizona. In track, I race distances from 800 meters up to 5000 meters, including the steeplechase. I’m also a cross-country runner. I love to race. The opportunity to create a focused race plan, knowing I get the chance to go out and execute those plans is exciting. At the same time, I enjoyed being faced with the need to be adaptable and use my intellect and toughness to alter portions of my race plan. I’ve had the opportunity to race against college athletes on numerous occasions both in cross country and track. Those experiences have helped accelerate my understanding of running and racing. I love small meets that provide the chance to test race strategies as well as bigger meets that force me to utilize many of the racing tools I’ve developed over the years. I have great teammates and love supporting them in their efforts with encouraging words and motivation.

One of my proudest racing moments took place back on May 3, 2014. I’m a huge baseball fan and my favorite team is the Arizona Diamondbacks. Back on that date, I entered the D-Backs Race Against Cancer, a 5K race in downtown Phoenix. That Saturday morning I finished 10th out of 1,322 runners and was the 1st overall female. Part of the reason I initially entered the race was the top 3 finishers in each age group would get to be on the field for a pregame ceremony. Looking further, I saw the overall male and female winners would get to throw out the first pitch at that game. At that moment, my focus was set upon winning the race. I consulted with my coach, analyzed the course, and formulated my race plan. Not only did I finish as the first overall female, I got to share the first pitch experience with my family and team. My victory was special to them as well, making it even more memorable.

Over the past several years, I’ve become even more invested into my community. There are a number of local charitable groups and events that I volunteer for. The one I spend the most time with is the Adopt for Life Center for Animals. At the animal shelter, I work with dogs and cats to help socialize and prepare them for interaction with their adoption families. I also help the Cottonwood Old Town Mission with special events like the Back to School Backpack drive where we collect donations and school supplies for needy students in the community. I also volunteer and assist with local running events. I help annually at the Brian Mickelsen Memorial race each spring as well as home cross country and track meets hosted by Cottonwood Middle School. My teammates and I have also done volunteer work with special events at Oak Creek School, a small school in a neighboring town. All of these things have allowed me the chance to give back to my community.

 One of my primary goals is to continue to grow as a person and as an athlete. I’m excited to find a school and team I can call home for the 4 years following high school graduation. My coach refers to me as the moral compass of our team. This is an attribute I want to bring to the college or university I attend. Doing things the right way is just as important to me as reaching the goals I help set for my team and myself. I want to be not only a great student and great athlete; I also want to be a great teammate and role model for others.