Senior Moment

Graduating Senior Hannah Greider Takes Time to Reflect on What Sets Linfield Apart

It's hard for me to pick the most memorable aspect of Linfield XC/Track over the past four years because of the scope of the impact this program has had on me. Coming in freshman year I never imagined how much this team would affect me and my college experience. Generally, I would say that the people on this team, as well as the coaches, have been the most memorable and invaluable aspects of running for Linfield college. After joining in the fall of 2010, I immediately had a group of friends who I spent so much of my time with that I had no desire to meet anyone else! Throughout the years I did branch out and meet more people at Linfield, but my team became my confidants, my supporters and my best friends (it's hard not to bond after 6am practices, hill repeats, 8 hour long van rides and 10 mile workouts...). Although there can be tension at times, I know I could go to just about anyone on the team for support, and many of these teammates I'm sure I'll stay in contact with long past graduation. I think the Linfield program is great because we do so much of training together rather than independently. I've heard of other NW conference teams who only meet for workouts, but at Linfield we see each other almost every day, which is great (usually... ha), especially if you are lacking in motivation from time to time.

I also believe that I could not have asked for better coaches. I'm probably more than a little bit biased, but without mentioning what other coaches in our conference may be lacking, I definitely believe Greg and Trav have been the best coaches I could've ask for. With their help and support I improved my 5k time by almost 2 minutes(!!!) and not only that, I had a lot of fun running under their leadership. I never felt overly pressured or stressed (besides that which I put on myself) and knew I could go talk to them about any issues I had, whether they were running related or not. These coaches definitely set Linfield apart and raise the bar for other coaches and programs who not only want their athletes to succeed, but to also enjoy their experience.

My description may give of an overly idealistic impression of running at Linfield, and it may not be for everyone, but for me, running at Linfield has been the best decision I made coming to Linfield and I wouldn't trade it for anything else in the world. I could probably keep rambling on about Linfield xc/track for quite a while, but for the sake of everyone, and before I start to make myself cry, I'll end by suggesting that anyone who is looking for the whole package, performance, fun, lifetime experiences, Linfield is a great fit.

Hannah posing with her coaches at the 2013 West Regional XC Meet.