Westside senior Claire White has committed to Iowa State for her athletic career for track and cross country. The senior just won the state championship for cross country and was the first in Westside history.

There are many colleges across the nation that provide a good cross country and track program. She shared why she chose Iowa State specifically with different options on the table. 

“I chose Iowa State because I felt it was the team I would grow the most on,” White said. “The coach is absolutely awesome and the campus is also super nice.”

Head cross country coach Theresa Gosnell had been with White for 4 years and explained how she had seen her improve throughout those years. 

“I have seen Claire improve in her strength while running,” Gosnell said. “her mental toughness and her confidence while running.”

Iowa State is currently regionally ranked number two for the midwest region for cross country. The women’s track team finished the previous season 37th for all NCAA D1 schools. White explained if it was a hard decision picking Iowa State or if her mind was set straight.

 “It was a pretty hard decision to make because I was choosing between two really great schools that had benefits to each,” White said. “But I’m really glad I picked state.”

Gosnell was a cross country and track athlete herself. She explained how she can relate to the athletes not only from a coaching standpoint but also as a former athlete.

“I can relate because I was fortunate to have success in high school and went to run in college as well,” Gosnell said. “ One thing that I remind the runners all the time is to have fun while racing.  Oftentimes as a competitive runner, it is easy to forget to enjoy the races and take some of the pressure off, It is a lot of hard work to get to where they are, and the races are the culmination of that hard work that they put in,”

White has had a successful athletic career on the highschool level. But with going off to college in less than a year, she shared what she is most excited about for her future athletic career at Iowa. 

“I think I’m most excited to compete at a higher level and just making connections that will last forever,” White said. “That’s really what it’s all about at the end of the day, I wouldn’t run at the collegiate level if I didn’t think it was fun.”