In a cross-country race, sometimes the sight of an opponent just ahead is the momentary spur that ignites a runner’s legs to break free. After another outstanding season, Mette Siemens, top runner of the women’s cross-country team and a second year in the Crafts and Design program, continuously strives to act as that figure of encouragement for her teammates.
“I feel like my performance in races helps motivate my teammates,” Siemens said. “It is hard to be the top runner on the team because you have no one to push yourself to keep up to, especially in training, but I am happy I can be that person for my teammates.”
In her first two seasons with the Bruins, Siemens has already competed at back-to-back Nationals, finishing in the top four at every Invitational during the 2022 season and achieving a season-best of 25.13 at the 2023 Conestoga OCAA Championships. “I am always grateful to represent my team wherever I go, and that's an honour,” she said, describing her times at Nationals as “always an exciting experience.”
Originally from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Siemens first started running in Grade 5 when her teacher organized the school’s cross-country team. Siemen’s father, being a runner himself, encouraged her to join, resulting in a first-place finish at her first city championships race—thus beginning her running journey. Over the years, Siemens has impressively held her city title until her senior year in high school; she has competed at back-to-back club Nationals and has also run for track and field. However, Siemens attributes her athletic prowess to growing up as a competitive swimmer.
“I think [it] plays a major role in my running performance,” she said. “The endless hours spent in a pool at a young age, unknowingly developing my cardiovascular health, has its payoffs.”
Before enrolling in the Crafts and Design program at Sheridan, Siemens was studying at the University of Manitoba. Battling an injury, she could not compete during her time there, but that did not stop her from becoming the top runner for the Sheridan women’s cross-country team.
“She has been a crucial part of not only supporting us with her own personal successes,” said Head Coach Kenya, “but has raised the level of competition of the rest of the women on the team around her.”
When asked about important qualities a runner needs, Siemens believes discipline is a major trait, not only for her sport but for her studies and future career. “In order to be successful and see progress in your running, you need to put in the work and that is often the test of discipline,” she said. “Push[ing] through hard things, and how important community is, knowing you need to do the work now and it will be beneficial for you in the long term.”
Although Siemens’ career goals are yet to be determined, she hopes to enjoy and feel fulfilled with the path she ends up pursuing. And more important than competing in big races in the long run, Siemens hopes running will be an activity she continues to share with a community of people.