Lindsey Strutz's Women's Track Recruiting Profile

Personal Statement

May 2018:

I am a developing multi-event athlete and have competed in the heptathlon. This year, my sophomore year, I started the season under the care of a sports medicine doctor and, unfortunately, was told “no running and no jumping.” However, after seeking a second opinion, I was able to gradually start training. Fortunately, with only minimal running and training, I was able to go undefeated in high jump in six dual meets and broke the Hartland High School high jump record with a jump of 5’ 3.25."  I won shot put five times and scored in the top three in discus five times, winning once.  Additionally, I am a MHSAA state meet qualifier in high jump and ran in the 400 meter relay, the 800 meter relay, and the 1600 meter relay this season.  I would like to share the journey that led me here:

I have always been an athletic, competitive person, feeling at home as a spectator or a competitor in most sports.  I began playing soccer at a young age and played basketball for many years, including travel basketball.  Additionally, I played volleyball in middle school.  However, under the direction of a phenomenal coach, I found my true athletic passion in seventh grade: track and field.   Immediately, I felt absolutely at home on the track and knew this was what I was meant to do.   Not only did I love competing, I also enjoyed cheering my teammates on. I started as a high jumper and mid-distance runner and became a long jumper by the end of my first season.  In eighth grade, I was one of the team captains and started running the 400, in addition to high jump and long jump.  I earned the Most Valuable Runner award. Disappointed that track season was over, I joined Waza Track Club.  After training with Waza for three weeks, I qualified to compete in the Junior Olympics in three events:  the heptathlon, high jump, and triple jump.  It was an amazing experience and I began training during the off-season.

During my freshman year, I played on the Hartland High School freshman basketball team, but still found time to compete at some indoor track meets with Waza.  I had a very successful freshman track season.   I was all county in three events (high jump, the 800 meter relay, and the 1600 meter relay) and one of five candidates up for Athlete of the Year in Livingston County.  Additionally, I contributed to breaking the school record in the 800 meter relay, as well as the 1600 meter relay, all while dealing with painful shin splints.  Eventually, at the end of school season, it became apparent that an MRI was necessary which showed stress fractures of both tibias and I was told “no running and no jumping.”  Although I was devastated, I was determined to find a way to persevere.  Therefore, I focused on strength training and physical therapy, which helped me grow stronger as an athlete.  Additionally, I learned discus and focused on shot put and javelin. Fortunately, I became a stronger thrower and qualified to compete in the Junior Olympics in all three throwing events last summer.  Additionally, I have become a smarter athlete and have researched and learned how to keep my body healthy.  Now that I’m healthy, I look forward to competing in the heptathlon this summer since it has been two long years.

Academically, my work ethic is the same as my dedication on the track.  Currently, I am undecided as to what career path I will chose, but I am confident in my desire to succeed on a track team at the college level.  Ultimately, I would like to find the right college match at the highest level of competition.  I am a dedicated athlete and teammate and am confident that I would be a great contribution to a college team.