Patience, Determination Brings Back Gillespie
October 05, 2014 05:33 PM | General
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| Senior Kaitlyn Gillespie competed for the first time in two years at the Greater Louisville Classic on Saturday. |
| Photo courtesy of Ilora Cipolat |
The old saying ‘patience is a virtue’ has never been more true when it comes to Kaitlyn Gillespie.
The two-time All-American and senior member of the nationally ranked WVU cross country team hasn’t competed since 2012 after being sidelined with injuries for each of the past two seasons.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve raced. It’s been hard,” Gillespie said. “But I’ve learned a lot about myself about being patient and being able to find strength that I didn’t know I had. It’s been frustrating, but I think I’ve gained more positive from it at the end of the day.”
The two years of constant training and time devoted to getting healthy have paid off for Gillespie. She is back to full health and ready to help the Mountaineers in 2014.
The Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, native is confident the wait has been worth it.
“Being able to be back running and having the opportunity to compete is something I’m beyond thankful for,” Gillespie explained. “I cannot wait to be able to put on the Gold and Blue and run for West Virginia University. It’s going to be fulfilling.”
Another positive Gillespie acknowledges from her time away from competition has been the bond developed between her and head coach Sean Cleary. Endless hours of training and meetings spent together have allowed the two to develop a level of trust difficult to replicate.
“Sean likes to see someone achieve their potential. As a coach, if he can’t help that happen, he considers that a failure,” Gillespie explained. “He has always seen potential in me. He has been extremely patient with me, working with me on every level while developing me into the athlete he believes I can be. He has taught me so much, and I am very thankful for him for all that he’s done.”
Despite Gillespie’s absence, West Virginia has continued to make its mark on the national scene. The Mountaineers have qualified for six of the last seven NCAA Championships and Gillespie feels the 2014 Mountaineers have the potential to be special.
“The girls have really been blossoming over the past year,” Gillespie said. “We had a huge freshmen class last year that have really been coming into their own as sophomores. From a team perspective, we’re right on track to do great things.”
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