What is your favorite aspect of being a coach?
To encourage someone to do something they never thought possible. In running, it's not about winning or losing, in fact, most people don't win. Yet they still strive to improve, work hard to achieve their goals, and challenge themselves to accomplish more. I love seeing the satisfaction and self-accomplishment of someone who just completed their longest run, finished their first race, or earned a new personal record. ANYONE can get better at running by…running (it's that simple).
What do you like about being a head coach at Bryn Athyn?
I really enjoy the individual relationships you get to develop with each athlete. I love seeing our alumni out on the trails while on our morning runs or when they stop by my office just to chat. Cross country runners often play other sports, so it's fun to see them try something new and get out of their comfort zone.
What is your favorite moment as an athlete?
Completing my first marathon. That was something I NEVER thought possible!
What is your favorite coaching moment?
I love working with those that have never run before or even been part of an athletic team; I love that they are willing to come and try something new. One year we were short a runner for our weekend race and were scrambling to find someone at the last minute. Finally, we found someone but she kept telling us…"I'm not a runner". Not only did this person show up on race day and finish the race with no prior practice, but she continued to show up for the rest of the season and competed in the championship race, beating her time by ten minutes! When we asked her what motivated her to keep showing up she said: "I'm not a runner, but I'm too competitive to quit".
What do you like to do outside of your sport?
Besides more running? I enjoy spin and barre classes and spending time with family and friends.
What inspired you to get into coaching?
I started coaching simply because I love running. The physical and cardiovascular benefits are obvious, but the mental benefits are also enormous; it's been shown that running can help alleviate stress and even depression. A bit cliché but I strongly believe running is the ultimate metaphor for life. You show up, you get through the tough runs, you grind it out, you struggle up the hills and you constantly battle that voice in your head that tells you to quit. But then you have those days where you are reminded how good running makes you feel – alive, accomplished, refreshed, and clearheaded– and this is when it becomes addictive. If I can get one person to fall in love with running that is success.
What is your favorite bus activity?
I'd say naps.
What is currently sitting in your Netflix queue?
Ozark, Billions, and Tiger King.
What coaches influenced you and your coaching style?
Sadly, we never had cross country growing up so I have never been personally coached in the sport, but I've learned so much by reading Hal Higdon and Greg McMillan and their training philosophies.
What would your advice be to a prospective student-athlete who is interested in coming to Bryn Athyn?
"You're not an athlete 3 hours a day, you're an athlete 24/7. Eat, sleep, and think like one. Strive to be the best you can. Apply this life."
Bryn Athyn will teach you how to be the best version of yourself; not just as an athlete but as a human. You will make real and lasting relationships with other students, coaches, and professors. You will learn personal responsibility, leadership, and commitment, enhance your personal values and ethics. You may not be a student-athlete forever, but the skills and qualities you learn at Bryn Athyn will go with you into the workforce and even into your future relationships and families.