EVERYONE KNOWS that Katelyn Tuohy is talented. As a New York high schooler she was a 3-time Nike Cross champion and splattered her name all over the top end of the all-time track lists indoors and out.
But Tuohy is not one-dimensional. Now in her sophomore year at NC State, this emerging collegiate star is more than simply a phenomenal athlete. She is a leader who has helped galvanize an entire squad of accomplished athletes who, in their own right, have helped Tuohy label the Wolfpack women as a distance running powerhouse.
Tuohy is also resilient, able to patiently handle “setbacks” (as she likes to call them) without losing her primary focus. Life is all about how you do on Plan B and Tuohy knows how to calmly handle an array of plans.
She is street smart with her racing, crafting her own plan, confident of her skills, and not pushing the panic button when she is facing a 60m deficit with 2 kilos to go. Her come-from-behind victory in Stillwater is the best evidence.
“I knew that when I caught [Parker Valby] late and I didn’t know what was behind me,” she explained in the interview zone, “I figured that instead of sticking with her I figured that I would try to break her when I caught her because I knew she knew how big of a gap she had.”
And the reigning NCAA outdoor 5000 champion is poised. Only 20, she already knows how to block and parry with the media while maintaining that effervescent smile.
Thinking ahead, Tuohy revealed to the media after her NCAA victory some of her thoughts for the future. “I think we’re going to Boston in two weeks and then take some time off and recess from there,” said the new collegiate XC champion. Indoors in Boston last December at the Colyear-Danville Opener, Tuohy raced to an 8:54.18 AJR in the 3000. Her event this time around will be the 5000: “I think that 15:00 mark is kind of a barrier I am trying to break and I think I’m kinda ready for it. But we’ll see.”
We can’t wait. ◻︎