What better way to celebrate Veterans Day than by highlighting one of Rowan’s very own athletes?

In addition to being a part of the Rowan women’s cross-country team, Mia Vaughn is also a member of the United States Air Force. She joined the Air Force when she was 17 years old and it has proved to be one of the best decisions she has ever made.

“Honestly, it’s been life-changing,” Vaughn said. “It’s allowed me to mature and form great leadership skills. I am the person I am today because of the Air Force.”

Vaughn knew she wanted to join the Air Force during her senior year of high school. Through research, she figured out that joining the military branch would get her free tuition to any public university in New Jersey.

“Once my mom suggested I should join it was a no-brainer,” said Vaughn. “It was one of the best decisions I ever could’ve made because of how much I got out of it.”

It’s no question that managing school, sports, and a social life is challenging; but imagine adding being a member of the United States military to that as well. It says a lot about how dedicated and strong-minded Vaughn is because she has been able to manage all aspects of her life efficiently. Head coach Shedrick Elliott III claimed that it has been one of the most impressive things he has seen in his coaching career.

“It shows how dedicated and persistent she is,” said Elliott III. “Her experiences and courage when it comes to speaking out have brought us together as a team. There are subjects other people won’t talk about that we can because of her boldness and experiences.”

Vaughn is the first athlete that Elliott III has coached in his 19-year career and has been both an athlete and an active member of the military. It has been an eye-opening experience for Elliott III to be able to see this process in real time.

“All I can say is wow,” Elliott III said. “This is my first time having a situation like this in 19 years of coaching. Hearing about her experiences, especially as a woman, left me saying wow.”

Every year the Air Force has an annual PT test. It involves one minute of pushups, one minute of sit-ups, and a mile-and-a-half run. For most, running is the hardest part, but in Vaughn’s case, it is the easiest. Being a part of the cross-country team at Rowan has taken Vaughn’s physical ability to a level where a mile-and-a-half is a cakewalk.

Not only has cross-country helped keep her in shape, but it has also helped Vaughn expand her support system. Everyone from her teammates to coaches, and even fans have been supportive of Vaughn and her service.

“My teammates and coaches are so supportive,” Vaughn said. “The girls are all so proud of me and they encourage me to talk about my experiences in the Air Force. If I ever have to miss a practice or a meet, nobody is ever upset or mad. They are all so supportive.”

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