Pride in the PSUAC With Shenango's Faith Sullivan

This story is part of a year-long series of feature stories written by PSUAC student-athletes and coaches, highlighting their experiences in the PSUAC.

By Faith Sullivan, a Penn State Shenango cross country, golf and track & field student-athlete

I grew up in Boardman, Ohio and attended Boardman schools until the end of my freshman year when I transferred to Jackson Milton High School. I really thrived in the small school setting and I joined everything that I could - becoming a majorette in the band, cheerleading, cross country, track, and golf.

I love to run! I have run many road races over the years: The Memorial Mile, Turkey Trot, The Firecracker and more. I enjoyed being on my cross country and track teams starting in middle school and through high school and then during my sophomore year in high school, I was asked to join the golf team. That is when I also fell in love with golf.  

I knew that I wanted to pursue athletics in college.  When I saw that Penn State Shenango had Giving Tuesday in November of 2023 to start a cross country program, I knew that I wanted to come to Penn State! This is my second year at Penn State Shenango where I run cross country, track and play golf. 

I have worked hard to achieve my athletic goals. Penn State Shenango has given me the opportunity to write my success story. I earned the following awards since I started my education at Penn State Shenango: PSUAC Cross Country Championships - 1st place, USCAA Track and Field - National Champion (800 m), USCAA Track and Field Championships - 3rd Place (1500M), USCAA Female Student Athlete of the Year - Golf.

I struggled to find balance between school, sports, and friends during my first year, but my coaches and athletic directors helped me realize my potential within my crazy schedule.

My initial golf practice in my freshman year was intense! The practice was rigorous and I realized that I still had so much to learn. Coach Tom, Coach Bob and Coach Ron always support me, helping me to improve and support my dreams. I am blessed to be part of such an amazing team. My golf team and coaches play a huge role in my success story. This team is a beautiful demonstration of what sports are all about - teamwork, support, success and fun. 

As a runner, I struggled with adapting from a 5k race to a 6k race in my first year. Running, while obviously a physical sport, also requires a great amount of mental toughness. I struggled to stay out of my head. I am lucky that I have the support of my family and the athletic department. My athletic directors, Brandon and Brendan never gave up on me and always got me what I needed. This year (sophomore year), I have run two meets and have finished in the top 10% each week. 

I continue to practice and work hard to keep improving in the sport I love. I run 70-80 miles per week. Running gives me many emotions; pain, joy, anger, and a huge sense of accomplishment.  Even if I have a race that is below my expectations, I still love running.

I appreciate the support of my teammates, coaches, and athletic department.

Penn State Shenango has helped me write my success story. I am thankful and feel very blessed to be part of the PSUAC. I love the experiences I have had so far as a college athlete; meeting competitors, making friends, traveling to other universities, improving my golf game, improving my running times and winning trophies. I have pride in my accomplishments. Being a college athlete requires dedication, time management and organization, as well as a positive attitude. Being a Penn State athlete has helped me to further strengthen these traits. 

WE ARE!