Crystal Wilkinson '18 Recruiting Profile

            My lifelong goal is to compete in women's track & field and cross country at the college level as I have grown a strong passion for running at a fairly young age. I played soccer for many years starting in 2nd grade and began running in 5th grade, but only to stay in shape for soccer at the time. 8th grade year I became more passionate towards running and began to focus only on track and cross country which resulted in me quitting soccer. I get such an indescribable feeling of happiness when I run, especially at big meets/events in which I attend and at practice with my team. I have met so many great people whom I call my friends and my teammates. I also was blessed with motivating and welcoming coaches. I truly love the environment and the joy that this sport gives me. I am constantly working harder to reach my goals daily and to become a better runner overall. I have progressed significantly within the past 2 years. My times just keep getting faster and faster as I continue to push myself at practice, at home, and during races. I want to make myself and my family proud of my accomplishments. I aspire to inspire others and make a difference. I plan to continue working on my running and setting/reaching goals for myself.

            My intended major is applied sport and exercise psychology to become a sport psychologist. I desire to help kids practice better habits as most teenagers fall into bad habits. Ever since I was little, I've always enjoyed helping others and making a positive difference in the world. At first, I wanted to be a veterinarian like most kids claim to want to pursue as a career. As I grew older, I enjoyed hearing about others, their problems, and helping them get through it all. Becoming a sport psychologist came to my mind later on as I would enjoy helping athletes on and off the athletic field. As a runner, I have realized how much psychological factors affect performance and how participation in sports and exercise affect these factors. Your mental health is just as important as all of the work you put into training. Building a relationship with athletes and being able to help them social, health, and athletic performance wise would complete me. I would be very content to go to work daily knowing that I am helping others and making those positive changes in the world.

            Competing in college would help me financially depending on what offers are put out there for me. I come from a family that is financially unstable, this is unfortunate, but I try my best to make the most out of it. Although I am always positive about every situation thrown my way, my family's financial status is tough on me since I have to work twice as hard than most people my age to pursue my goals. This is difficult at times, but I know that if I keep working hard and never give up, good things will come my way eventually. I want other people to see me and my hardships that I have overcome and know that they're not alone and can face their obstacles.