Senior Olivia W. Signs on to Run Track at Washington and Lee University
From Athletic Director Michelle Woodruff
We are delighted to recognize and celebrate Olivia W. ’23 on her decision to run for Washington & Lee’s NCAA Division III Track & Field program as she joins a growing group of Foxcroft graduates playing NCAA sports.
We are delighted to recognize and celebrate Olivia W. ’23 on her decision to run for Washington & Lee’s NCAA Division III Track & Field program as she joins a growing group of Foxcroft graduates playing NCAA sports.
Olivia’s track and field journey began when she took part In her first one-mile race in the fourth grade. She convinced herself she could knock it out in under 7 minutes; she knew she would win first — only to quit midway, walk, and come in close to the back.
Her first 5k was the Cherry Blossom race here at Foxcroft. She had never run a 5k before and thus had no idea about the concept of pacing, as she learned it is not feasible to sprint for 5000 kilometers. Hudnall was by her side the whole time, telling her to slow down, walking with her because she went out too strong, then finally releasing her to sprint the last 100 meters.
Despite a rocky beginning, she knew she loved running. Running in lacrosse and field hockey practices was always the highlight, and at the end of the day, she always wanted to do more. She was hungry to win, compete, and push herself; however, she never had the opportunity to train formally. Then along came COVID. During COVID, she ran daily and began varying her workouts, which ultimately improved her times. After a particularly good tempo, she compared her times to a recruitment chart online and was pleased to see was well within the D3 range for 5k time, and it dawned on her that running in college might be a possibility.
The 2022 Cherry Blossom 5k solidified her drive to run; she took first place (sorry, Dr. Sweeney), and the first thing Mrs. Abbott said to her after she received her medal was, “You should really think about running in college.” That was the push she needed. She continued to run and train and learn more about the sport of running. She fell in love with the variety and versatility of running and runners and began reporting her time and interest to Coach Mike (Head Cross Country Coach at Washington & Lee) after she was accepted to the University. Running three seasons next year (cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track) will prove challenging — especially without formal training — but she anticipates that challenge and looks forward to dedicated time to grow stronger, faster, and more refined as a runner.
This is an unusual situation for us as Foxcroft doesn’t have the sport Olivia is going to compete in. To me, this exemplifies her dedication and single-mindedness. I saw it many times before or after her Foxcroft practices. I would find her in the fitness center running or checking her watch and taking off on the pavement around campus. She decided what she wanted to do (run), and she decided she wanted to do it at Washington & Lee, and now here we are celebrating this feat.
Funnily enough, Coach Moan and I had almost the exact same thoughts on Olivia. We are two of the lucky coaches here who have had the opportunity to work with Olivia and be a part of her athletic journey over the past four years as she developed into the terrific athlete and teammate she is today. We have seen firsthand the kind of athlete she is. She is smart. She is dedicated. She is focused. She is hyper-organized. She is a hard worker — her work ethic is over the top. She is positive, yet doesn’t often give herself a break when she feels she hasn’t done her absolute best. She will apologize for not bringing her best self and stay after to improve upon her weaknesses. She’s incredibly coachable, mature, and a true leader. All of these attributes are the transferable traits that make Olivia a great field hockey player, lacrosse player, runner, and student.
And now she is moving on to a school that is truly delighted that she is going to be a General. Her soon-to-be Washington & Lee Track & Field Coach, Coach Dager, said “We’re really excited to have Olivia joining our team and being part of her next athletic journey. I’m looking forward to working with her over the next four years and am confident she will have a significant impact on our program.” Her little sister Flora said, "Ever since we were little kids racing in the backyard, I have always tried to be faster than my sister, but I've never succeeded in this. Whether it is on the lacrosse or field hockey field, Oli is able to sprint the ball gracefully down the field and show off her speed. She is truly an asset to any team she is on. I have been so lucky to have played these last few seasons with my big sister, and I am looking forward to cheering her on at her meets!"
Olivia has grown up on and around this campus. She has flourished here due to many people in this caring and wonderful Foxcroft community. There are so many of you who helped her become this amazing young woman sitting in front of us: you are her coaches, her teachers, her teammates, her friends, and most importantly her family. She couldn’t have done it without all of you.
Coach Dager and the Generals are getting someone with outstanding character, a team player, a stellar athlete, someone who truly loves to run, and who is the fiercest of competitors. Olivia, you have been such a wonderful part of our Foxcroft community and such a delight to us in so many ways. We are so happy for you and are thrilled that we can be here as part of your special day as you get ready to run Track & Field at Washington & Lee University. We look forward to following your career. Congratulations!
The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) is dedicated to providing a pathway to opportunity for college athletes and supports learning through sports by integrating athletics and higher education to enrich the college experience of student-athletes. Division III institutions provide an environment that encourages student-athletes to develop into well-rounded adults.
Back
Her first 5k was the Cherry Blossom race here at Foxcroft. She had never run a 5k before and thus had no idea about the concept of pacing, as she learned it is not feasible to sprint for 5000 kilometers. Hudnall was by her side the whole time, telling her to slow down, walking with her because she went out too strong, then finally releasing her to sprint the last 100 meters.
Despite a rocky beginning, she knew she loved running. Running in lacrosse and field hockey practices was always the highlight, and at the end of the day, she always wanted to do more. She was hungry to win, compete, and push herself; however, she never had the opportunity to train formally. Then along came COVID. During COVID, she ran daily and began varying her workouts, which ultimately improved her times. After a particularly good tempo, she compared her times to a recruitment chart online and was pleased to see was well within the D3 range for 5k time, and it dawned on her that running in college might be a possibility.
The 2022 Cherry Blossom 5k solidified her drive to run; she took first place (sorry, Dr. Sweeney), and the first thing Mrs. Abbott said to her after she received her medal was, “You should really think about running in college.” That was the push she needed. She continued to run and train and learn more about the sport of running. She fell in love with the variety and versatility of running and runners and began reporting her time and interest to Coach Mike (Head Cross Country Coach at Washington & Lee) after she was accepted to the University. Running three seasons next year (cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track) will prove challenging — especially without formal training — but she anticipates that challenge and looks forward to dedicated time to grow stronger, faster, and more refined as a runner.
This is an unusual situation for us as Foxcroft doesn’t have the sport Olivia is going to compete in. To me, this exemplifies her dedication and single-mindedness. I saw it many times before or after her Foxcroft practices. I would find her in the fitness center running or checking her watch and taking off on the pavement around campus. She decided what she wanted to do (run), and she decided she wanted to do it at Washington & Lee, and now here we are celebrating this feat.
Funnily enough, Coach Moan and I had almost the exact same thoughts on Olivia. We are two of the lucky coaches here who have had the opportunity to work with Olivia and be a part of her athletic journey over the past four years as she developed into the terrific athlete and teammate she is today. We have seen firsthand the kind of athlete she is. She is smart. She is dedicated. She is focused. She is hyper-organized. She is a hard worker — her work ethic is over the top. She is positive, yet doesn’t often give herself a break when she feels she hasn’t done her absolute best. She will apologize for not bringing her best self and stay after to improve upon her weaknesses. She’s incredibly coachable, mature, and a true leader. All of these attributes are the transferable traits that make Olivia a great field hockey player, lacrosse player, runner, and student.
And now she is moving on to a school that is truly delighted that she is going to be a General. Her soon-to-be Washington & Lee Track & Field Coach, Coach Dager, said “We’re really excited to have Olivia joining our team and being part of her next athletic journey. I’m looking forward to working with her over the next four years and am confident she will have a significant impact on our program.” Her little sister Flora said, "Ever since we were little kids racing in the backyard, I have always tried to be faster than my sister, but I've never succeeded in this. Whether it is on the lacrosse or field hockey field, Oli is able to sprint the ball gracefully down the field and show off her speed. She is truly an asset to any team she is on. I have been so lucky to have played these last few seasons with my big sister, and I am looking forward to cheering her on at her meets!"
Olivia has grown up on and around this campus. She has flourished here due to many people in this caring and wonderful Foxcroft community. There are so many of you who helped her become this amazing young woman sitting in front of us: you are her coaches, her teachers, her teammates, her friends, and most importantly her family. She couldn’t have done it without all of you.
Coach Dager and the Generals are getting someone with outstanding character, a team player, a stellar athlete, someone who truly loves to run, and who is the fiercest of competitors. Olivia, you have been such a wonderful part of our Foxcroft community and such a delight to us in so many ways. We are so happy for you and are thrilled that we can be here as part of your special day as you get ready to run Track & Field at Washington & Lee University. We look forward to following your career. Congratulations!
The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) is dedicated to providing a pathway to opportunity for college athletes and supports learning through sports by integrating athletics and higher education to enrich the college experience of student-athletes. Division III institutions provide an environment that encourages student-athletes to develop into well-rounded adults.
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An all-girls boarding and day school in Northern Virginia, Foxcroft prepares young women in grades 9-12 for success in college and in life. Our outstanding academic program offers challenging courses, including Advanced Placement classes and an innovative STEM program. Our premiere equestrian program is nationally recognized, and our athletic teams have won conference and state championships. Experience the best in girls' boarding schools: visit Foxcroft.
