Natural terrain, no matter if it's fields or forest trails, is where cross-country runners race for the finish line. Although athletes must rely on their own two feet to propel them through the course, the sport goes beyond each individual. Carly Eveline, a third-year in the Bachelor of Craft and Design program and member of the Women's Cross-Country team, finds her teammates are the ones who keep her motivated until the end.
I believe that teamwork and a positive attitude are among the most important qualities for a cross country athlete," she says. "Running is definitely mentally challenging, and having a team to lift each other up is essential."
Eveline started her Sheridan journey straight out of high school and quickly discovered her passion for furniture design and glassblowing. "Every day, I wake up excited to head to the studio, where I have the freedom to express my creativity and tell stories through my work," she says "I love how small and tight knit our community is in the program." According to Eveline, there is no shortage of support and encouragement from her peers and professors, who are always helping bring her ideas to fruition.
Certainly, Eveline's passion can be felt not just in her studies but in her love for sports. She started cross-country in Grade 3, the earliest her school allowed students to compete. It was at this moment her zest for the sport switched into full gear. Now, in Double-Blue, Eveline celebrates her second season with the Bruins, competing at the 2024 OCAA Cross-Country Championships with a 34:52 finish time.
"Carly showed what it meant to have perseverance throughout the season," says Kenya Small, Head Coach of the Men's and Women's teams. "She battled injuries from the beginning to the end of the season and was still able to race admirably. Toping things off by being a great teammate and supportive to all of the other women on the team showing profound leadership."
"It was truly unforgettable; and I will continue to say this every season, regardless of whether I am first or last in the races," Eveline says. "I am just grateful for the opportunity to practice, compete, and, most importantly, to be surrounded by such a supportive team and coaching staff.
Their love and encouragement make every training, race, and season memorable."
Before running for the Bruins, however, Eveline was busy with other sporting ventures. From a young age, she was a competitive acrobatic gymnast for six years and went on to represent Ontario internationally, coming in third place at the Las Vegas world competition. In addition to gymnastics, Eveline was also a competitive cheerleader, and eventually found the world of Cirque du Soleil where she spent a few years as an aerial silk circus artist.
"Similarly to the passion I have for my school program, I found I could express myself and tell a story when I was in the air on the silks."
As Eveline looks toward the future and life after Sheridan, she hopes to continue telling stories through her art, and maintain a close relationship with all the wonderful teammates and friends she's made throughout the years. And with big dreams in her pocket, Eveline aspires to own her own furniture business that blends her love for both woodworking and glassblowing.
"As long as I have a close-knit group of supportive, loving people around me much like the bond I share with my team I will be happy."