Ranked #7 currently in the Saucony Flo50 rankings and the US Junior Nationals 5K champion last summer, Audrey Belf just recently committed to Georgetown University in the final weeks of her high school XC season in Michigan. On the week leading up to her attempting to win her second straight Michigan state cross country title and lead her nationally ranked Birmingham Seaholm squad into battle, the 4:45 miler and 10:10 two miler Belf shares what ultimately pulled her towards becoming a Hoya for her next four years of running.
Okay so less than week removed from committing to Georgetown... How does it still feel to know where you are going next year and having that decision out of the way?
It feels fantastic; it is a tremendous relief. I felt like a completely different runner when I raced this weekend.
How many visits did you end up taking and to which schools? What stood out from your visit to Georgetown?
I took 4 official visits but many unofficials as well. My officials were to Georgetown, Stanford, Michigan, and Virginia. Ultimately when I visited all the other schools I found myself always coming back to Georgetown. Both the girls and the coach are fantastic, and I loved the smaller school setting. It is an excellent school and an exciting location.
Did you have a plan going into this year of of trying to decide early or did it just happen to work that way?
With taking so many unofficial visits beforehand it made the process much easier to arrive at a decision.
What was the best part of the recruiting process for you and the toughest part?
The best part was seeing different schools and getting to know a lot of coaches and girls from around the country. The toughest part was calling the coaches and having to turn them down.
Obviously you are enjoying this season being part of a very strong and successful Birmingham Seaholm squad that probably being a very close group is part of the success. Is that something you really looked for in your next school seeing that chemistry and bond already among your future college teammates?
Definitely! It was especially important because I am an only child and going out of state will be a big adjustment for me. Also, I believe a close team promotes success and positivity in every race and at every practice.
Is there any race or performance in the past that you could point to that really got your name known nationally and started getting a lot more letters in the mall from college coaches?
New Balance Indoor Nationals 2013. I took 3rd place in the 2mile and was not even expected to place. I came out of the race with a 15 second PR and proved to myself that with hard work and determination I am capable of anything.
Do you interact much with other top girls around the country and ask them about their recruiting trip plans and also now going to try to lobby a few to join you at Georgetown?
I have not. It will be interesting and exciting to see where they will go.
What did the Georgetown coaches sell you on the most of why you would be a good fit and thrive joining their program?
The coach really emphasized the culture at the school. All of the girls are very focused on their running and driven to be successful. The coach takes a very individualistic approach with each of the girls' training programs.
Final state cross country meet is coming up this weekend. What are your thoughts and emotions heading into your last race on the Michigan state meet course?
It is bittersweet. I really want to end the season on a high note. Achieving both a team and individual state championship would be a dream.
Last question. What do you hope to accomplish and gain from your college running career at Georgetown?
I want to improve upon my running and continue to compete after college. My goals include achieving many All American finishes, as well as, striving to become an NCAA champion.
