EMPOWERING WOMEN

THE LASTING VALUE OF THE STUDENT ATHLETE EXPERIENCE ISN’T MEASURED IN WINS AND LOSSES

The Millersville Women’s Track and Field and Cross Country teams strive to excel at the highest levels of competition. While their athletic triumphs are impressive, their success doesn’t end on meet day. These young women are campus leaders in academics and in the community. Balancing the demands of a student athlete requires discipline, tenacity and time management skills. In a world that glorifies instant gratification, setting goals that are years in the making is second nature. Confidence gained through overcoming adversity in sport translates to success in life, preparing athletes to break through obstacles encountered along the way.

Academic Achievement

OVER A DECADE OF EXCELLENCE

USTFCCCA AWARDS
(U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association)

ALL ACADEMIC TEAM

In order to qualify for All-Academic distinction, teams must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, including the most recent grading period and compile a team score at their respective regional championship meet, among other qualifiers.

Cross Country: All Academic team award for 17 out of the past 18 years (3.49 GPA for the 2023 team)

Track & Field: All Academic team award for 15 out of the past 16 years

ALL ACADEMIC STUDENT-ATHLETES

In order to qualify for All-Academic distinction, student athletes must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale and finish in the top-30 percent of their respective regional championship meet, among other qualifiers.

Track & Field: 24 All Academic Student Athletes

Cross Country: 13 All Academic Student Athletes

2023-2024 ACADEMIC YEAR

38 of 54 (70%) of Track and Field Athletes were named PSAC Scholar Athletes with a GPA over 3.25, more than any other Millersville University athletic program

Cross Country achieves the highest team GPA in the Millersville University athletic department for 2nd year in a row

CURRENT ATHLETES IN ACTION

JULIA FALLOWS

“On campus, I am president of the Color of Teaching Mentoring Program, President of the Iota Phi Chapter of the Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society, Vice President of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), and am on the Student Leadership Council for the English department as well as the Title IX office. Off campus, I work for the Bench Mark Program in Lancaster, which allows me to work with youth through running, weight lifting, and tutoring. In all of my endeavors, I am able to use lessons from track and field. Whether it is discussions on culture, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, or speaking positively about yourself, I work to incorporate the skills to my mentees, and peers. My athletic career provides me with an outlet and healthy stress relief. The culture and community are a source of pride, and I would love to be a coach for my future school."

Julia Fallows (middle, bottom row) with fellow members of the Iota Chapter of the Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society. Julia is the President of this Honor Society, which recognizes and encourages excellence among undergraduate and graduate students in all aspects of English language, literature, and the many closely related fields, including literacy initiatives.

Julia Fallows was recently appointed as a 2024 Newman Civic Fellow. The Newman Civic Fellowship is a yearlong program that recognizes students who stand out for their leadership potential and commitment to creating positive change in communities.

JENNA DUMBROWSKY

Click on video below. For the full article, click here.

FOX43's coverage of The Hidden Opponent at Millersville University

"Along with Maya Porrecca (Millersville Lacrosse), I co-founded a chapter of a nationally accredited nonprofit advocacy organization named The Hidden Opponent. This group raises awareness for student-athlete mental health and addresses the stigma within sports culture. By hosting educational meetings and wellness activities, The Hidden Opponent at Millersville helps alleviate the stigma of mental health and wellness for student athletes at Millersville University. I started running and competing in track and field around the same time I started struggling with my mental health, and it quickly became an outlet and coping skill for me. Now, however, it’s more than that. The positive, healthy, and happy team environment that Millersville University’s Cross Country and Track and Field programs offer has helped me to become a better person, a person that can offer that same help to other athletes at Millersville as a campus captain through The Hidden Opponent at Millersville."

LYNDSEY KREGEL

"I am a junior sociology/criminology major in the honors college, with a minor in women, gender, and sexuality studies. I am a high jumper and triple jumper on the Ville track team. Through the sociology department I have had the opportunity to work with the Center for Public Scholarship and Social Change. I do statistical data analysis and community-based research for various partners to help them best serve the community. Through this, I have presented research the past two years at Made in Millersville, and was able to present at the Pennsylvania State Capitol Undergraduate Research Conference in 2023. I have also had the opportunity to obtain my GreenDot certification, and assist in GreenDot training since then. I was selected as the 2024 Drs. George and Helen A. '64 Stine Sociology Award recipient, and to represent the department to incoming students and at admitted student events. The track team is very important to me, and my track family is a big support system. I am very proud to represent the Millersville track and field program, which pushes me to do my best both athletically and academically."

Lyndsey and two fellow student research assistants from the Center For Public Scholarship and Social Change presented a poster titled “Community-Engaged Research at the Center for Public Scholarship & Social Change" at an annual event hosted by the PA Senate called “Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol.”

“Joining the Center for Public Scholarship & Social Change gave me a way to help people even as a freshman here at Millersville. I am truly honored to have an opportunity to work with these great people.” The Center for Public Scholarship & Social Change brings together teams of faculty, students, and members of the community to engage collaboratively in research for public purposes.

The goal of Green Dot is to implement a bystander intervention strategy that prevents and reduces power-based personal violence.

LASTING IMPACT - ALUMNI

NICOLE MILLER

“I would say, track has helped me with time management, working with others, and being determined. If it wasn’t for track, I don’t know how I would manage all the stuff I have to do along with work and going back for my Master’s. Working as a team helped me in the job I have now by communicating what I need and realizing its ok to ask for help. After so many injuries and health concerns during my time running in college, it made me realize that the best way to get through any of them is determination which I use in my job and life every day.”

MIA CARSON

"My experience as a female athlete at Millersville University has profoundly shaped my journey. Track provided a crucial framework as I delved into academia. I was involved in multiple research projects within the biology department and had the opportunity to explore my interest in biomechanics in my sports medicine classes. My involvement in track and field deepened my curiosity about the human physiological processes underlying athletic performance. Being part of high-level athletics exposed me to the transformative impact of therapeutic interventions on recovery and overall well-being.

In track, I learned to listen to my body, understand its mechanics, and optimize its performance. These insights became foundational in my pursuit of understanding human anatomy and biomechanics—crucial aspects of my career as a physical therapist. The rigorous training regimen instilled a deep respect for the intricacies of movement and recovery, principles that now guide my therapeutic approach.

Moreover, competing as a female athlete in a challenging sport fostered a sense of empowerment and confidence. It taught me to navigate adversity, break down stereotypes, and advocate for myself and others in male-dominated fields like medicine. The camaraderie with teammates and coaches cultivated a supportive network that mirrors the collaborative spirit essential in healthcare.

Ultimately, being a female track athlete not only shaped my mindset but nurtured qualities that are essential for professional success and fulfillment. The culture and community of track and field have lasting effects that extend beyond the sport itself. I am currently in my second year of a physical therapy graduate program at the University of Vermont, where I will graduate as a Doctor of Physical Therapy in December of 2026. I owe my success to the program, my coaches, and peers, who have all played crucial roles in shaping—and continuing to shape my journey."

CAMREE PATTERSON

“Being a student-athlete allowed me to excel not only in the classroom but to learn to become a better leader. I was lucky enough to serve as the President for the Student Government Association on campus, along with being a Cygnus Society member in which I served as an ambassador to Millersville University President Wubah. These leadership experiences allowed me to carry skills like communication, professionalism, and teamwork into track and field. These experiences helped shape me into a better student-athlete along with encouraging others to seek opportunities outside of track and field.”