Sarah Hipple

School: Shippensburg Area Senior High School, anticipated Penn State Mont Alto

Anticipated college major: I plan to earn an Associate Degree to become a physical therapist assistant and earn a Bachelor of Science, minoring in Spanish. This was brought about by my desire to help other athletes dealing with injuries and supporting them like my PT team supported me. I also enjoy learning Spanish and feel it would be valuable in the medical field in communicating more effectively.

Future aspirations: I would love to run for Penn State Mont Alto and potentially go on to earn my doctorate in physical therapy. 

Favorite subject: Spanish!

Favorite HS teacher: I have been blessed with my high school teachers and their support. Going along with my favorite subject, I would have to say Señor Smith!

Favorite movie: The Greatest Showman or Spider-Man: No Way Home (if you haven’t seen it, I 11/10 recommend)

Favorite quote: “You’re closer than you think you are, only moments from the break of dawn.”   Danny Gokey

Favorite thing to do outside of XC/TF: I enjoy spending time with friends and family, playing with my goldendoodle, seeing my friends in their sports, and skiing.

Surprising fact: I took 12 years of dance: ballet, tap, and pointe!

Favorite shoe brand: ASICS or New Balance

Favorite invitational: I have to say Carlisle Invite for XC and Cedar Cliff Relays for TF. I traditionally run the 3200, so to be a part of a relay was a thrilling experience!

Best HS memory: I loved having a team cross training pool workout on a snowy day. Also, getting to meet some of the elite HS runners in dual meets as a team captain was really cool! Everyone was so nice and supportive. My teammates were jealous that I got to shake their hands, haha! I also cannot ever forget the happiness I felt when I found out I was going to districts. Getting to run XC with my younger sister, Grace, was a fun time (even though she often beat me and we were competitive). It kept me motivated!

Advice to younger athletes: No matter where you are in your life, keep moving forward. Be sure to take the time needed for your mental and physical health. I struggled, and still struggle, with hip inflammation. This could have been prevented if I would’ve listened to my body. Find coaches and teammates you trust. Think positively. When you hit rock bottom, the only place you can go is up. Throughout my recovery, there was a time when I wasn’t able to train. I wasn’t able to do much of anything but rest. Be patient. Be patient with your body, and with yourself. Be thankful that you have the ability to wake up in the morning moving, breathing, walking, dancing. Rejoice! It’s okay to be disappointed in your performance; but you need to get back up. Running is absolutely physical, but a mental sport as well. You are capable of so much more than you believe!

Oh, and don’t be afraid to run the 3200 🙂 We always need more 3200 runners, y’all. It’s my favorite event, you should try it!

Instagram: @sarah_hipple