Cori Small: Farther from Home than She Planned

Colorado 2015-16 Signings
Alan Versaw


Cori Small set her cross country PR at the 4A Region 2 meet this past fall. Photo by Alan Versaw.


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Cori Small's Best Marks:

1600 - 5:39.02 (at altitude)

3200 - 12:06.49 (at altitude)

5K Cross Country - 19:59 (at altitude)

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Tell us about the decision to attend and run for North Greenville University--what pulled you in to a school two-thirds of the way across the continent?

I had always planned on attending a certain school, but after a visit with the campus and I met with the coaches, I felt I needed to look around. I knew I wanted to attend a faith-based college, and a few conversations began to happen. North Greenville was my third visit, and I wasn't completely interested in the trip because I did not want to go that far and was very against it. After visiting, however, I felt extremely welcome there and I felt like it could be my home. I fit in with the coaching staff and the girls. I think I even picked up the southern accent in less than a day. God gave me strength and confidence to commit to them and I am very excited for this journey ahead of me.

What do you plan to study at North Greenville?

I plan to study psychology to get my degree in either some kind of therapy or counseling. I haven't completely decided my focus yet, but I know I want to help people through their struggles and challenges.

For several years at Elizabeth, you were, more or less, the girls distance program. This year, you were joined by an influx of very talented freshmen. What kind of difference did that make for you personally?

Having these young freshman join my team has really helped me push beyond my limits and find a whole other side of my running I never found before. They inspire me to be the best I can be, not only in sports but in everything I do. They have become more than teammates, they are family.

What's you favorite event to compete in, and why?

I love the cross country races most, but in track my favorite event is the 3200M. A big reason for this is because it's my best event but I also just love being able to go for a longer run. I find it to be fun, even when I am running at 9:30 at night.

Pick one favorite highlight moment for us from your high school career.

My favorite highlight of my career as a runner would probably be going to state in Cross Country this past year with my girls. It was such a fun, exciting experience but would have never been as amazing as it was if I didn't have my team running right there with me.

You have one month--give or take a few days--left in your high school career. Are there any very important goals remaining to be achieved in that time?

I was really blessed last week to set a school record with a few of my teammates in our 4x800M. I hope we can improve on our time and make it to state. I have also been chasing our school record in the 3200M and I would like to break 12:00 and give myself a chance at the state meet. I also would like to dedicate the rest of my season to the memory of my Uncle Calvin. He loved racing, and I know he wanted to see me do well.