New Blood, Same Grit

The pure exhilaration of racing to the end doesn’t quite compare to any other feeling. The overwhelmingly loud support from across the finish line is yet another reminder of the shoes Kate Lux intends to fill going into her sophomore season. As she is currently in the final stretch of her first year, Lux’s main goal in feeling both accomplished this season and prepared for the next is to earn her PR in the 4×800.

Lux is a natural born leader and has been encouraged to utilize that passion even as she is the youngest on the team. Every practice and race, she is pushed to her fullest potential. Lux isn’t the only one who sees her ability to strive for the top. Her teammates and coaches around her see the vital impact she has made in just one season.

“Her positivity and hard work ethic are contagious to our team and myself”, Senior teammate Ciara Kepner said. “I know she will step us as a leader and carry the experience with her next year.”.

To feel the most prepared for stepping up as a teammate, runner, and leader next season, Lux is taking her last strides of the 2025 season with intention. While she has a clear determination and passion within herself, Lux gives thanks to the class of 2025 seniors who have fueled a fire for her. Lux has had this fire instilled in her and isn’t looking back on this season with any regrets.

“When the seniors leave I hope that I can be welcoming to the incoming freshman”, Kate Lux said. “And play a part in preserving the community we have in the distance team.”.

Lux and her senior counterparts have developed a strong bond, expanding her leadership capabilities even more. Through the long hours spent with them, Lux has learned valuable lessons that she hopes to apply as they graduate. She aspires to exceed the standard they have built and doesn’t intend on settling any time soon.

“The end of the season makes me feel happy about how far I’ve already come”, Kate Lux said. “But also not completely satisfied, I am excited to see how I can improve for next season and apply what the seniors have taught me”.