NC State's Kaitlyn Tuohy Captures NCAA Div I XC Crown (Kirby Lee / Image Of Sport)
Wolfpack Leader: Talented, Resilient, And Poised
November 19, 2022
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Everyone knows that Katelyn Tuohy is talented. The New Yorker was a 3-time Nike Cross National Champion and basically rewrote the USA prep record book.
But Tuohy is not one-dimensional. Now in her sophomore year at NC State, this emerging collegiate star is more than simply a phenomenal athlete. She is a leader who has helped galvanize an entire squad of accomplished athletes who, in their own right, have helped Tuohy label the Wolfpack women as a distance running powerhouse.
Tuohy is also resilient, able to patiently handle "setbacks" (as she likes to call them) without losing her primary focus. Life is all about how you do on Plan B and Tuohy knows how to calmly handle an array of plans.
Katelyn is street smart with her racing, crafting her own plan, confident of her skills, and not pushing the panic button when she is facing a 60 meter deficit with 2 kilos to go. Her come-from-behind victory in Stillwater is the best evidence. "I knew that when I caught her late and I didn't know what was behind me," she explained in the mixed zone. "I figured that instead of sticking with her I figured that I would try to break her when I caught her because I knew she knew how big of a gap she had."
And the reigning NCAA outdoor champion at 5000 meters is poised. Only 20, Katelyn already knows how to block and parry with the media while maintaining that effervescent smile.
Thinking ahead, Tuohy revealed to the media after her NCAA victory some of her thoughts for the future . "I think we're going to Boston in two weeks and then take some time off and recess from there" said the new collegiate cross-country champion. "I think that 15 minute mark is kind of a barrier I am trying to break and I think I'm kinda ready for it. But we'll see." We can't wait. Dave Hunter