By Louis Fernandez, WRAL Sports reporter

NC State senior Katelyn Tuohy is one of the most decorated athletes in Wolfpack history – a 10x All-American, a 9x All-ACC performer, an NCAA indoor champion, an NCAA individual and team cross country champion, an ACC Female Athlete of the Year, and the list just keeps on going.

These are impressive achievements for someone during their time in college.

However, Tuohy has a different term to characterize herself.

She chuckled and said, “I may not be the most exciting person. My typical routine involves running, spending time with loved ones, and not much else.”

As a runner, particularly at her caliber, it is difficult to focus on anything else.

Tuohy stated that individuals who participate in cross country possess a particular mentality in which they constantly strive to push themselves to their limits and diligently train.

To provide context for the training, Tuohy mentioned that the team typically covers 80 to 85 miles per week during the season. However, during a “taper” period with reduced running, this distance decreases to a more manageable 55 to 60 miles.

“I constantly request for additional distance or repetitions. It drives Coach (Laurie) Henes crazy, but I believe she secretly enjoys it.”

The success of NC State’s women’s cross country team and runner Katelyn Tuohy.

The program has seen success through their dedication and hard work. The NC State women’s cross country team has achieved four individual NCAA Championships (most recently, Tuohy in 2022) and 12 top-five finishes in the NCAA Championship since 1981. This includes their impressive consecutive team championships in 2021 and 2022. In 2020, despite not taking first place, the team still managed to secure second place.

Tuohy expressed her sincere appreciation for the opportunity to be a member of the Wolfpack team. She acknowledged that NC State, specifically in regards to women’s cross country, has a significant and impressive past.

Laurie Henes has held multiple positions at NC State, including director of track & field and cross country, head coach for both the men’s and women’s track & field teams, and head coach for the women’s cross country team. Throughout her time at the university, she has experienced much success. Henes was a national champion in track & field and an All-American in cross country during her time as a student at NC State. She began her coaching career at the university in 1992 and was appointed as the head coach for the women’s cross country team in 2006.

“I have received a lot of assistance and guidance from her. She is an amazing mentor who not only values us as athletes, but also as individuals. Without her, I would not have reached the level of success I am at today,” Tuohy expressed.

“An opportunity to win three consecutive championships”

NC State will have the opportunity to defend their title in women’s cross country on Saturday, November 18. The NCAA Championships will begin at 10:20 a.m. in Charlottesville, Virginia. While facing tough competition, the Wolfpack has the potential to achieve something extraordinary.

“It would hold great significance. Every year holds its own uniqueness. I believe the experience is what gives it all meaning, going through the entire year in anticipation of that day. We all eagerly anticipate it. We are all passionate about cross country,” Tuohy expressed.

NC State has had a highly successful postseason, winning their eighth consecutive ACC Championship in late October. Tuohy also secured her second consecutive individual ACC Cross Country Championship, making it the fifth instance in five years that an NC State runner has earned the individual women’s ACC Championship.

This past weekend, the team achieved its seventh consecutive NCAA regional title by winning the Southeast Regional at USC Upstate.

Villanova and Stanford are the only other teams besides [Team Name] to achieve three consecutive NCAA Championships in women’s cross country. Villanova dominated six consecutive years from 1989 to 1994, while Stanford achieved three consecutive wins from 2005 to 2007.

Tuohy looks back on her time at NC State.

As the senior year comes to an end for the cross country season, it’s a good opportunity for self-reflection. There are many memories to look back on from her time in Raleigh. Tuohy credits the people she has met here for shaping her into who she is today.

Tuohy expressed her admiration for her teammates and coaches, acknowledging the valuable lessons she has learned from them. She also looks up to everyone in the group, regardless of age.

“We support and motivate each other while running. It’s a meaningful experience to have a common goal and run for the benefit of our team.”

This season, our emphasis has been on running with gratitude, rather than just running.

Without the support of others, I wouldn’t have achieved my goals no matter how much effort and determination I put in.

She stated that it truly requires a community effort to reach our current position.

Experiencing hardship and success has taught Tuohy to be grateful. She has gained recognition in the running world for several years now. In high school, she was the recipient of the Gatorade Athlete of the Year award for cross country three times – a feat that, according to NC State, no other athlete has achieved in any sport. She was also featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated while still in high school.

While running, it is important to not let anything, especially the burden of expectations, impede your progress. It took time for Tuohy to understand this, but now she has found a way to achieve inner peace.

“I believe I should be more forgiving of myself,” she stated. “It’s truly amazing to see my aspirations come to fruition.”

Reworded: Tuohy is focused on Saturday, and she is determined to achieve her goal regardless of the events in Charlottesville and their aftermath.

“Win races, set PRs and just keep running for as long as I can ’cause it’s what I love to do.”

Source: wralsportsfan.com