The following is a spotlight profile on Elaine Estes, one of Saint Joseph's University's nominees for the prestigous NCAA Woman of the Year award. The Atlantic 10 had 15 institutional nominees for the award (READ MORE). Each weekday until July 22, the Atlantic 10 will profile one of the institutional nominees.
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SNAPSHOT
Sport: Cross Country/Track & Field
Major: Secondary Education, Teacher Education/Spanish
Minor: Theology and Religious Studies/Latin American Studies
Hometown: Oxford, Pa.
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Elaine Estes
PROFILE
Saint Joseph’s cross country and track standout Elaine Estes triumphed athletically and academically during her time on Hawk Hill, earning All-Conference honors in cross country while student teaching for her education major. She was a Junior squad leader in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard after joining her first semester, served on the Saint Joseph’s University Senate, and aided as a peer ambassador at the university Center for International Programs. Estes earned Dean’s List honors every year and was a member of the Sigma Delta Pi, Alpha Sigma Nu and Theta Alpha Kappa National honor societies. She received numerous research grants, academic awards and athletic contribution awards for her work.
STORY
THE HAWK FEATURE: Elaine Estes juggles teaching and racing during her final year at St. Joe’s
ELAINE Q&A
If You Could Know the Absolute and Total Truth to One Question, What Question Would You Ask?
I would love to know how human brains come up with dreams — I have dreamed some crazy things that I know must mean something to my inner self, but I can never figure them out.
What would you consider the top moment of your college career?
This certainly wasn’t a significant competition, but my time and performance in the open 5k at the Penn State Indoor National meet was a pivotal moment in my career. I broke time barriers that I never thought possible and felt confident all the while. Things really picked up for me after that race.
What was the hardest obstacle you faced as a student-athlete?
As I progressed through college, being a three-season athlete got harder and harder. Because you don’t know any different at the beginning, you truck through. After a few years in a constant cycle of being tired and feeling like you never quite have enough time to get to everything you feel like you should (friends, family, academics, and additional athletic work), it feels much harder. I learned to think of my commitment as a choice instead of a sacrifice because I ultimately find so much gratification through running. The paradigm shift from being blissfully unaware of how hard you work because you’re excited to working harder than ever before because you’re positive you want to achieve your goals was tough but rewarding.
Who or What has been your biggest inspiration or motivation?
Alexi Pappas is a pro runner and one of my favorite follows on Instagram. She splits her time between training and writing for a living. I love the way she thinks and approaches life.
If someone wrote a biography about you, what would the title be?
“Long Story Long” — my friends all make fun of my (lack of) storytelling ability. I often go into all kinds of details that I see as important but don’t often seem so to everyone else. I think I just love hearing myself talk. “Tell better stories” has been a New Year’s resolution for me for years.
What hard goals have you set and/or accomplished?
I had the goal of making an ECAC meet for a long time in college - probably years before any of my coaches or teammates would think it was feasible. I like the idea of having a huge goal and checking little boxes every day that get you closer to it. I feel that long distance running is a great sport for that kind of mindset.
What are the top three things on your bucket list?
1) do the Camino De Santiago through Spain and France
2) run a marathon
3) own a home that is special for some architectural or design aspect