When I left Pate’s Grammar School in 2020, I had no idea what my next five years would look like. On reflection, it’s amazing how unexpected opportunities shape our future in ways we never anticipate. From studying Biochemistry at Exeter to finding myself deep in the heart of Texas, competing as an NCAA Division I runner.

From Biochemistry to Collegiate Athletics

After an abrupt end to my time at Pate’s due to COVID and a long summer, which felt like a gap year, I was more than ready to go straight to university. If I’m honest, my decision to study Biochemistry was largely because I enjoyed both Biology and Chemistry at school - though I quickly realised that Biochemistry itself was quite different from what I had expected. Nevertheless, I loved my time at Exeter and in terms of my course I particularly enjoyed the hands-on experience in the labs.

As my undergraduate years progressed, my interests began to shift, leading me to extend my time at Exeter by pursuing a Master’s in Management. I wanted to challenge myself with a different way of thinking and I’d say the skills I developed in my Master's are much more transferable to my overall employability, for example, digital marketing and strategy.

During this time, I was also growing as an athlete, which was a huge factor in my decision to stay in Exeter for another year. I thought, I’ve got one more year of being a student-athlete - let’s see how good I can get. Athletics at Exeter wasn’t heavily funded, so I had to be extremely self-motivated but I was lucky to be surrounded by a great training group.

Running had always been a passion of mine, but I never even considered myself to reach the level in which I’d be offered US scholarships. That all changed after the consistent improvement in my racing performances started to get noticed by NCAA recruiters. A coach from Texas reached out to me and my initial reaction was: This has to be a scam—it’s too good to be true! After some research and a Zoom call, I realised that I was, in fact, being offered a full scholarship to compete in the US collegiate system whilst earning a Master's - an opportunity I simply couldn’t turn down!

Adapting to Life in Texas

Moving to Texas was a cultural shock in so many ways. The US collegiate running culture is completely different from what I had experienced in the UK. The level of investment is on another scale! The universities have amazing sports facilities and the overall athletics standards are so much higher, so the expectations are incredibly high. But I weirdly enjoyed this pressure.

Texas itself is a unique place. The first thing my friend and I noticed was that everything seemed a bit unreal - there’s no old architecture, no high streets and no quaint little villages like back home in Gloucestershire! The heat and humidity were another challenge entirely. Training in these conditions required a whole new level of adaptation which was definitely a shock to the system when I first arrived.

That said, beyond the differences, this experience has been incredible. The camaraderie within the team and the opportunity to push myself to new limits have made this journey incredibly rewarding. I was very pleased with my performance in my first XC season, in which I came 20th in the South Central region, earning all-region, running 20.08 in the 6k (16.39 through 5k) as well as Conference Newcomer of the Year.

The Challenge of Staying Healthy and Balanced

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned since moving to the US is the importance of listening to my body. The NCAA environment can push athletes toward overtraining and burnout. With so many people striving for success, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that more is always better. However I’ve come to realise that longevity in sport requires balance.

Right now, I’m managing a knee injury, which has been frustrating, but it’s also been a valuable learning experience. Rather than pushing through pain, I've had to be smart about my recovery. I've learned that it's vital to listen to my body to ensure that I give myself the time to recover well. It's up to you to advocate for yourself if you want to be the best version of yourself.

Hard Work and Unexpected Opportunities

If there’s one thing my journey has reinforced, it’s that hard work and dedication pay off. I think my time at Pate’s instilled this in me from day one (or even earlier—studying for the 11+ !!). But thinking back to my younger self, going to Running Club at lunchtime and racing at the Prince of Wales Stadium, I could never have imagined how far I’ve come in the sport. Even during my undergraduate years, I didn’t fully grasp how my interests and efforts could evolve into new opportunities. Next week if my knee permits me, I’m racing in Boston which is super exciting and will probably be the coolest opportunity yet!

So for students uncertain of where to go next, just following your interests and staying true to what you love will take you on the right journey for you. Sometimes, the things we start as side interests end up becoming the most defining aspects of our lives. I never planned to study in the US or compete in the NCAA, but continuously working hard at what I love has taken me to incredible places. You never know where your passion and dedication might take you, just say yes to every opportunity that comes your way. You only live once, so be the best version of yourself!