I still remember the feeling of tearing through the hills during a Spartan race — legs burning, heart racing, competitors fading behind me. My legs just wanted to go.
That’s when I realized: I needed to give cross country a try.
I’ve been an outdoorsy person for as long as I can remember. My two siblings and I were never inside growing up. We were always playing tag, hide-and-seek, jumping on the trampoline, and racing each other down the street to our neighbor’s house.
I’ve always been pretty competitive and just really loved winning!
Running became the perfect outlet for all that chaotic, competitive energy, and I fell in love with the sport.
But before I got into cross country, I actually started out doing obstacle course racing — Spartan, X-Men, and Northmen races.
I always pulled ahead in the hill-running portions, and that’s what led me to give cross country a try.
And from there, everything changed.
I was fortunate to be flown out to Los Angeles by Spartan Canada to compete in the 2019 Spartan Kids World Championship, where I ended up being the only non-American to podium that day out of 16 countries and over 100 athletes.
It was one of the coolest moments ever. I felt like I was on top of the world.
And then — bam — COVID hit.
I had so many goals coming off that race. I wasn’t going to give up. If anything, I doubled down. I trained harder. I was hungry to get back to the U.S. and chase even bigger dreams once the world reopened.
A Rough Start
When I signed with my first school, I was thrilled. California? Sunsets? Beaches?
It sounded like a dream.
But when I got there, it just didn’t feel like home.
I arrived full of hope and big goals, but it quickly became clear that the environment wasn’t the right fit, not just athletically, but emotionally and mentally as well.
I struggled with team dynamics. I faced jealousy, comparison, and teammates who weren’t supportive. One girl even made fun of the way I ran — and for a runner, that cuts deep. Everyone has their own form.
It made me question everything — my worth, my place, my identity as an athlete.
Running had always been my happy place. My escape.
But suddenly, it felt toxic.
The Best Decision of My Life
The moment I hit "submit" on my transfer portal application, I felt everything — fear, doubt, relief, hope.
Leaving my first program was terrifying. I kept asking myself:
Am I good enough?
Will another school want me?
Did I just ruin everything?
There was so much uncertainty. So much self-doubt.
But deep down, I knew I needed more. I needed to find a place where I could thrive.
That’s when I found Mississippi State.
Transferring here was the best decision I've made in my life.
The environment is completely different — uplifting, supportive, empowering. My teammates have my back. The coaches believe in me.
I feel seen. I feel valued.
And I’m in love with running again.
I’m more motivated and confident than ever. I have huge goals. I’m just getting started.
Embracing the Journey
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that my path isn’t linear.
There are ups. There are downs. Detours. Rainy runs in the mud. Stress fractures.
But that’s where the magic happens.
Those are the days that build champions.
I want to inspire young athletes — especially girls — to find joy, passion, and purpose in the process. To fall in love with the sport.
Running is magical when you love it. And I want others to feel that, too.
Thank you to Mississippi State for giving me the opportunity to continue chasing my dreams, and to my teammates and coaches for helping me regain my confidence.
I can’t wait for what’s next.
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📷 Louise Stonham and Mississippi State Athletics
