Ready for redemption after coming in second to Westfield State at the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference Indoor Championships, Worcester State’s women’s outdoor track & field season came to an abrupt end due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Senior Courtney Guay was ready to leave it all on the track for one more season until she heard the news.
Growing up in Londonderry, N.H., Courtney struggled finding a sport she was passionate about. She had little interest or success in soccer, field hockey, or basketball, so her mother signed her up for cross county. At age nine, Courtney ran in her first race, and never looked back.
Courtney attended Londonderry High School, where she ran all four years. She knew her running career was not over after high school, and wanted to continue running in college.
Worcester State caught her eye with its academics and strong biology program. After meeting the coach and the team, there was no doubt in her mind she wanted to be a Lancer.
“I (didn't) really see any differences,” Courtney said of the transition from running in high school to running in college. “I did find it more challenging to keep up with my more demanding course load from college rather than high school. It was stressful learning to time manage, but once I got it down it was amazing.”
Courtney’s biggest struggle while running at Worcester State was her mental strength sophomore year. “I became mentally weak and had a horrible mentality about running due to how mentally drained I was.”
With these setbacks, Courtney powered through with the help of her coach to create a healthier and more positive environment. Later that year, she ran a collegiate personal best in the 800 meter run at 2:27.97 at the New England Alliance Outdoor Championship meet. Her junior year, she ran the anchor leg in a school record breaking 4x800 meter relay team, running 10:03.34.
Although her last season ended early, Courtney’s running has not stopped.
“I continue to run every day, just more so - however much I want and whatever time of day I want.”
She will miss the long bus rides with her teammates and the laughs they shared. With this new chapter in her life, Courtney can always look back on these memories with lifelong friendships she has made throughout the years.
“I can't imagine my life without running - it's who I am. It's so much more than just a sport.”
#WooWOTF
Written by Sports Information intern and women's cross country and track & field student-athlete Emily Dickson '20.