Meet Zoey Doelling: The young but promising cross-country runner for Rowan University.

There comes a time in an athlete’s career when they realize whether or not they are good enough to play in college. In the case of Rowan women’s cross country runner Zoey Doelling, she knew early in her high school career that she could make a college team. 

“In my sophomore year I was running pretty fast,” Doelling said. “It was then that I realized my times qualified for college as well.” 

After realizing she could run in college, Doelling had to choose where she would continue her career. She ended up at Rowan University because of the coaches at the time.

“I liked the coach,” Doelling said. “Coach Ringo is now retired but he made a big impact on my decision. I also got to meet the team and I loved all of them. The decision-making process was easy after I met them all.”

Like most athletes, her love for the sport came at a young age. Her father was also a runner, making it something they could bond over.

“I started running in third grade,” Doelling said. “It was influenced by my dad and my passion for running just kept growing as I got better.”

Doelling isn’t only a dominant runner, she is also a hard worker with a deep love for the sport.

“I love running,” Doelling said. “I didn’t want to stop running after high school, I wanted to keep going.”

Head Coach Shedrick Elliott III also spoke on Doellings’ work ethic.

“She puts in all the work necessary,” Elliott said. “I’m confident she is going to get the results both myself and Coach Eric are expecting to come her way.”

Sometimes it can be difficult to impact winning as a freshman in college sports. However, in Doellings’ case, this isn’t true. In her first collegiate meet, she placed in the top ten.

“I’m very proud of myself. I wanted to run really fast and I did,” Doelling said. “My dad was there, motivating me to make the top ten. I put everything out there and hoped for the best.” 

Not only does Doelling impact her team wins, but she also tries to have a positive impact on her teammates.

“I want to inspire other freshmen to push themselves,” Doelling said. “I know we are only freshmen but there are no limits to what we can accomplish.” 

“She is delightful,” Elliott added. “She engages with her peers and is willing to learn. She has connected with the freshman and upperclassmen.”

Doelling has only run in one meet but the signs are promising. On Sept. 20, she will run in her second meet at the Herbz Lorenz Invitational. This is one of the hardest meets Rowan participates in all year so it should be fun to see how Doelling performs against tougher competition.

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