Tyler Horning/Collegian
Senior and former All-American Stephanie Carroll stretches.
It would not be surprising if senior Stephanie Carroll was an athlete who focused the most on her individual success as a runner, but that is not the case.
As an All-American in indoor track and a captain on both cross country and track teams, Carroll's accomplishments are prominent due to her drive and desire to continually put her teammates before herself.
“Steph goes above and beyond her role as a team member and takes the time to shift her focus from her own training to her other teammates,” junior Joanna Grille said.
“This is particularly hard in track when each race is so individualized, and even more notable when an athlete is having a strong season individually. It's just easy to get caught up, but she consistently refuses to do so, and that quality is one of her best, and most defining.”
Carroll's career began in Mount Pleasant, Mich., when she began to run in seventh grade. She continued on to run for Mount Pleasant High School and during her senior year was recruited to Hillsdale.
“I knew I wanted to run for a small school that was still Division II,” Carroll said.
Throughout her four years as a Charger runner, Carroll has watched the running program, both cross country and track, change and grow. Carroll said that going through the different changes has helped her to grow on a personal level.
“It has been an adjustment at times, getting used to different strategies of coaching leadership,” Carroll said. “Bringing the men's and women's programs together this year has been a really positive change for our team. It has been great to have had the extra support and encouragement while we are competing.”
Now, as one of the track team's captains, Carroll has reflected on how she has changed as a runner throughout her time as a Charger.
“When I first came I wasn't a very strong distance runner,” Carroll said. “One of my major accomplishments has been growing in my distance strength and becoming one of the varsity runners of the team.”
Carroll's focus to improve not only her distance ability but also her strength on the track has been what has inspired not only her teammates but the coaching staff as well.
“Stephanie is so steady,” head coach Bill Lundberg said. “She exemplifies what it means to be a student athlete who has grown and matured, and now leads her team with determination.”
Carroll's willingness to grow in different events has also opened up opportunities for her.
Last year Carroll started running the mile for the first time during her indoor career, and went on to became an All-American in the mile at the Indoor National competition.
Carroll's commitment extends beyond her career as a runner. As a Finance and Mathematics major, Carroll has been a dedicated member of both the Sigma Zeta and Kappa Mu Epsilon honoraries. She also works in the weight room.
Carroll said that it is the interests and talents of her teammates outside of their sport that has impacted her over the years.
“This is a group of really smart girls who are involved with a lot of different things,” Carroll said. “We all have so many different interests it really adds to the relationships we share.”
Carroll's teammates and coaches would agree that Carroll adds to the team by always putting the team first.
“She is able to help keep herself focused and motivated,” Lundberg said. “But even more so, she is there to help enthuse her teammates and to be there for them. She is always looking for the best in others.”