Callie Free '23 Recruiting Profile

I didn’t know what to expect coming into cross-country as a 7^th grader. I had no set plans to run, but I wanted to try something new. I started attending summer practices and made varsity my first year. Although running with high-schoolers was intimidating at first, it made me push harder to prove myself. By my 8^th grade year, I was appointed captain of the team. I closed the season strong by setting a PR at the state championship. Our cross-country team finished 7^th in the state championship race my first year, 5^th place in my 8^th grade year, and we are striving to finish in the top 3 this upcoming season. Track seemed like a natural progression because I needed to stay in shape. I ran 4 events and took medals in each one: 4 by 8, 1 mile, 800m, and the 3200m. Although I enjoy the individual aspect of both sports, coming together as a team is very important. As a rising freshman, I look forward to pushing myself as well as my teammates. I’m looking forward to collegiate running and finding a college that encourages me to grow in athleticism, character, and leadership.