Hometown: Bellefonte, PA

High School: State High (State College Area High School)

Major: 2^nd Degree Nursing Program (ABSN)

Year: Senior

Sport(s): Women's Cross Country (XC)

What made you want to attend Penn State Altoona?

I graduated from University Park many years ago but decided to go back to school for a nursing degree. Penn State offers an accelerated second-degree program at the Altoona campus which happened to be close to my family. I loved my time at UP and now being at Penn State Altoona is helping to round out my PSU experience.

How did you get your start in your sport?

I started running when I was a junior in high school and immediately fell in love with the sport. Running is special because you get out of it what you put into it and consistency is the key. I ran a small amount in college when I was getting my first degree but ended up giving it up and thinking I didn't really care to run seriously again. After taking quite a few years off, I thought it would be healing so I "re-started" earlier this year after moving to Altoona.

What are some of your favorite memories from your time as a Penn State Altoona student-athlete so far?

This is the first year Penn State Altoona has had a cross-country team since 2015 so it's been exciting to grow on both the men's and women's side. It's also been memorable to have such a dedicated and thoughtful coach. I've loved getting to represent my school again and being in uniform with my teammates. I do hope I forget what running a race in 6-inches of mud feels like, though.

Do you have any mentors or role models at Penn State Altoona? If so, how have they helped you improve as a person?

The professors in the College of Nursing have been my closest role models since starting the ABSN program this past August. It's empowering to see strong women be successful in many areas of their lives while passionately teaching another generation of nurses. Nursing can be an intimidating field, but they have really helped me feel comfortable and confident.

Outside of sports, what do you hope to accomplish during your time at Penn State Altoona?

I hope to make strong connections with the peers and professors in my nursing cohort and graduate with confidence and a solid GPA! I also hope to find a restaurant with really good Pad Thai. :)

What career role would you like to have in the future? How is Penn State Altoona helping you reach that goal?

My first degree is in chemical engineering, so I would like to combine that with nursing to work as a trial nurse at a medical device or pharmaceutical company. If I fall in love with a specific area during my clinical rotations, I am also considering bedside nursing to gain more experience before returning for a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (perhaps from Penn State as well!). Penn State Altoona gives its nursing students exposure to multiple hospital and clinical settings, which is so helpful when deciding what's next.

What advice would you give to a freshman student-athlete?

Trust yourself and trust your abilities.

Rapid Fire

-Who is your favorite professional and collegiate sports team? Penn State, of course! I specifically love following the PSU Hockey team. :) I am also a Flyers fan.

-Who is your favorite professional athlete? I look up to a lot of female runners, specifically Kara Goucher and Des Linden, lately.

-Do you have any pregame rituals? When I'm at the starting line before a race, I remind myself that I have done the work and there is nothing more I can do. It takes my anxiety away immediately and allows me to relax and do the best with what I have!

-Altoona Pizza: yay or nay?  Nay, but only because I don't like pizza very much.

-What is your go-to order at Port Sky? I have only ever gotten chocolate milk from Port Sky…so chocolate milk after a hard workout?

-Outside of playing sports, what are your hobbies? I obviously love to run, but I also enjoy cozy activities like reading, knitting, and watching reality TV with my dog.

-What would your teammates say you are famous for doing? Being their oldest teammate…I'm not sure if you can be famous for that, though.