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Running Her Race - NWACC's Athletics Program Empowerment Series: Stephanie Foster
1. What is your name?
Stephanie Foster
2. Where are you from?
Gravette, AR
3. Who are you?
This question shouldn’t be so difficult to answer. First and most importantly, I am a mother to four amazing children. This encompasses so many roles. Secondly, I am a full-time student and athlete attending NWACC. Thirdly, I am a full-time hospice aide.
4. When and Why did you decide to enroll at NWACC?
I decided to enroll in NWACC after the birth of my son, about two years ago. I knew he was going to be the last addition to our family, so I was really focused on what our future would look like. And I knew that the best way for me to achieve the dream lifestyle I want for my family, would be with a higher education. I was still working fulltime, so the flexible online classes NWACC provides was perfect.
5. Why is education important?
Having an education opens up so many employment opportunities. Even after obtaining a degree, it is important to continue learning.
6. What sport are you a part of?
Cross Country
7. What made you want to join the Cross Country team?
I started to really enjoy running when I was 25. It was a great mental health aide. I had a few pauses during my pregnancies, but I always tried to get back out there. Last year, a mass text was sent to the students about open tryouts. I hadn’t run for about two years, but I was excited about the opportunity to join the team.
8. What does it mean to you to be an athlete?
My story is a little nontraditional. I’m thirty years old. I didn’t run in high school. I’m a mother of four young kids, meaning my body has been through crazy times four times. Being considered an athlete was never something I thought would happen. So having the opportunity to experience such an amazing program has been humbling and empowering. I am still the slowest member of the team, but I have made amazing personal growth. Being able to witness the athletics program take off has been the best. We have so many talented runners who would not have had the opportunity to compete if our program wasn’t here. And they are not just competing. They are dominating. NWACC is making a name for itself.
9. How long have you been running for?
I’ve been consistently running since August 2023, but before that, I ran off and on between pregnancies.
10. How has this program benefited you?
I love being a part of the team. The culture within the team of support and friendship is such a positive light in a stressful time. It has also motivated me to focus on my academic performance. Coach Boit keeps us more accountable as students than as athletes.
11. What have you learned from this athletic program?
Being an athlete, especially in cross country, has taught me that changes don’t happen overnight. If you want to see big changes, you have to make daily efforts toward your goal. The daily miles and biweekly workouts have helped me develop discipline. Because there are definitely days that I am just not motivated, and I rely heavily on self-discipline to make things happen.
12. What are your plans for the future?
I intend to apply for NWACC’s nursing program in November. If I’m not accepted, I will transfer to JBU for their nursing program and hopefully continue running with them. After school, I dream of buying some acres and raising my family on a small homestead.
13. What advice do you have for other women who want to follow their dreams but face challenges?
So often, when we have big dreams, that is all we see. We see where we are now, and then where we want to be. And it seems impossible. However, there is so much that happens in between. It starts with the first step, which can be absolutely terrifying; especially when you know things can get complicated. It can be even harder when you start and it doesn’t work out the way you had hoped. This doesn’t mean stop. It means there is another way. Sometimes, that other way requires asking for help, forgiveness, and resources. There are always resources. Things do not happen overnight but through daily choices.
You can’t jump to the top of your mountain. You have to take it step by step, ledge by ledge, cliff by cliff. Sometimes, you will have a guide that can navigate the best route. Other times, you will be alone with the skills you have learned. You still slip, you will lose footing, and you will be pushed to your limits and beyond. But you will keep climbing your mountain. Because you only have one life to reach your dreams. It may feel impossible but remember why you started. Remember you are not alone. And remember that there is always another chance to start again.
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