For the past 24 years Coach Gosnell has been the voice, the motivation and the energy behind every cross country and track team. Whether it was on the muddy cross country course in the fall or on the sizzling track in the spring, Coach Gosnell never failed to be the heart along with the relentless drive behind every race. Sadly, Gosnell will be hanging up her whistle this year. Even though Gosnell will be stepping down from head cross country coach, the legacy she has made for herself will and could never be forgotten. From starting out as a high school runner to setting college records and becoming the 1994 UNL athlete of the year, Gosnell has shown that talent, hard work and dedication can make dreams come true.
Something that makes Gosnell such a great coach is her will and want to see her players improve.
“Some of my proudest moments as a coach are seeing athletes as a freshman buy into the time and commitment it takes to becoming a better runner.” Gosnell said. “When the athletes buy into running especially during the summer conditioning or winter conditioning, the work they put in really reflects in their improvement in racing.”
Coaching long distance running looks easier than it is. Having to navigate all of the different personalities and mindsets of the runners is no easy task.
“Some of the biggest challenges were coaching the different levels of athletes.” Gosnell said. “There are runners who really work hard and want to get better, and those who don’t necessarily love to run. I had to learn to accept that the runners will get out of running what they put into it.”
For many years now Gosnell has devoted herself to helping others achieve their goals and dreams. Now she will be stepping into a new chapter in her life continuing to create memories of all different types.
“I have been coaching for 24 years, and coaching both cross country and track & field is a year round time commitment.” Gosnell said. “I decided that it was time to be able to spend more time with family and focus on a different phase of life for myself.”
Gosnell now having many years of coaching experience, there are things she wished she knew back in the early 2000s.
“Developing a program takes time.” Gosnell said. “Be confident in your abilities to coach, but learn as much as you can from other coaches around you.”
The cross country and long distance team are sad to see Coach Gosnell leave but are grateful for all of the skills and knowledge she has taught them along with the memories they have made.
“My favorite thing about Coach Gosnell is her patience and dedication.” Violet Collins said. “She is the most knowledgeable about running and continuously changes her coaching ways so that she can keep making us better and better. She is so committed and goes above and beyond to create a great team atmosphere. She is the most caring and supportive coach I have ever had and is always so patient and willing to listen. I love everything about her and am so lucky I got to have her as a coach all these years!”
Running is not only a physical sport but a mental sport as well.
“My favorite thing about her is she pushes me every single day, whether it’s an early morning workout or a race that didn’t go as planned, she’s always there pushing me to keep going even when it’s mentally hard.” Claire Nordquist said. “Her constant encouragement helps me to work harder and stay disciplined.”
Gosnell has only been in some runners’ lives for a year and still never fails to make a mark in their high school career.
“I was new to the team this year and didn’t know what to expect, but Gosnell was always very kind but stern at the same time like how you want a coach to be.” Fiona Tobin said.
For 24 seasons now Gosnell has shown that showing up, working hard and improving is way bigger than winning any medal. While she moves onto new adventures of her own the lessons she has taught will keep the cross country and track team moving far past the finish line.
