Senior Girls Cross Country runner Lillian Cogdill teaches her peers the importance of a good mindset through hard work and dedication.
Cogdill has spent all four of her high school years at Kennedy running cross country. She made varsity freshman year and has been improving both mentally and physically ever since, her best finish being seventh place.
“Lillian has grown into a leader, supportive teammate and role model over the two years I have coached her,” Cross Country Coach Ciabatti said. “She has become an athlete who is always focused on the process of getting better and how to achieve her personal best. Whether that is in practice or a meet, Lillian is always giving her best effort to reach her goals.”
Four years of cross country taught Cogdill mental toughness and the importance of having a good attitude and winning mentality. Cross country allowed Cogdill to persevere through unexpected challenges.
“Cross country taught me goal setting, mental fortitude, accepting circumstances out of my control, working past failures and the importance of team culture,” Cogdill said.
Cogdill’s dedication to the sport allowed for her to form strong bonds, even with the two freshmen on the team who she works to keep inspiring. Cogdill’s accomplishment of making varsity freshman year allows her to give important advice and guidance to freshmen who are just starting.
“She is someone who leads by example and is a great role model for young athletes. Through her preparation and work ethic, many younger runners look up to her,” Ciabatti said.
While Cogdill isn’t running in college, she is bringing her growth mindset and mental toughness with her as she continues her academic studies at Iowa State University where she plans on majoring in engineering.
