Kaitlyn Barthell '17 Recruiting Profile

    Running is a sport that I cannot imagine living without. The story of how running came into my life begins when I began track in 7th grade. My first track meet is probably one of the best memories of my life because it was there that I discovered that long distance running was my passion. I loved and still love the feeling when you have just finished a race. I love pushing my body as hard as it can, because what's the point in participating if you're not going to try your best? I love everything about running including the whole culture of XC and track. I'm at my happiest when I am on a practice run with my teammates,  stuffing my face with pasta at team dinner, or chanting "Buff, tuff, rough!" before our championship meets. Running is a huge part of my life, and competing at the collegiate level is something that I have dreamed about ever since I was a middleschooler.

    My name is Kaitlyn Barthell, I am 5'5" and 120 pounds. I take training seriously and have worked very hard on developing my running skills since 7th grade. Each year my times have improved in both cross country and track, and I am working hard to ensure that this streak will continue. I have won MVP for cross country for all 3 years, and have won MVP for track my sophomore and Junior year. I won the Freshman and Sophomore sports awards in 2014 and 2015. Running is a huge part of my identity, and something that I cannot go without during my college years. I am keeping an open mind about which college I want to attend, but I want to be a part of a college that will challenge me both academically and physically.