All-State is the ultimate reward for countless miles logged and sacrifices made. It serves as a testament to grit, determination and talent. However, senior Anna McAndrew accomplished it not once but all four high school years, cementing her place in the

record books.

“I didn’t start running till I was in seventh grade,” McAndrew said. “Running has always been a way for me to connect with other[s] and make friends.” 

Even through her first year on the team, McAndrew still was not fully aware of the accomplishment she set when she became one of just six freshmen in her class to become all-state runners.

“When I was a freshman, I didn’t know much about running because I had always just run for fun, so when somebody came up to me and told me that I was all-state, I didn’t know what it meant,” McAndrew said. 

Becoming an all-state runner means finishing in the top 30 in your class at the state meet. McAndrew took 15th in the meet and, above all other school runners. She would then use this accomplishment as motivation in the future.

“As I progressed through high school, I felt like it became a goal of mine, but more than anything, it was an accomplishment at the end of the season that I want[ed] to get,” McAndrew said.

Throughout her career, McAndrew has consistently credited Coach James Crowe as a pivotal factor in her success. 

Crowe designs his training plan with a holistic approach, focusing on long-term goals.

“I want them to peak at district and state, so every workout is keyed towards that,” Crowe said. “There isn’t any specific workout we do to help prepare for state because they’re all tied together, It’s a holistic approach that we take.”

According to Crowe, McAndrews’s four-time all-state achievement is incredibly rare. He recalled only one other athlete, alumna Sophia Pelligreen, who matched this feat during his tenure.

Beyond her all-state accolades, McAndrew has emerged as a leader among younger teammates.

“We’ve always had strong leadership with the girls, and Anna’s the hardest worker, so she leads by example,” Crowe said.

McAndrew’s teammate, senior Analee Miller, noticed significant improvements in McAndrew’s running qualities over the years.

“Anna has become much more confident throughout the years. As a runner, she’s become more consistent [in getting] below 20 minutes of 5Ks,” Miller said.

With her growth as a runner, Miller also noticed significant improvement from McAndrew as a leader and runner. 

“Anna has always been a leader, but as she’s become an upperclassman, she’s someone who can be looked up to by underclassmen,” Miller said. 

Miller feels that McAndrew’s perseverance encapsulates the spark in young runners when they first start training. 

“The underclassmen are affected by her commitment to running even when it gets hard. Anna serves as a role model for them because she always gives it her all in every run, race and workout, even when it gets hard,” Miller said.

Miller still remembers her first run with McAndrew and how it shaped her growth as a runner. 

“The first run we went on together, I would have to stop and catch up constantly, but Anna just kept going, and she’s always pushed me to do more than I think I’m capable of,” Miller said.

Millers’ consistent support has not gone unnoticed by McAndrew, as she recognizes Millers’ support has affected her success. 

Success for McAndrew depended not only on rigorous training and support of her peers but also on developing self-discipline and a commitment to holistic well-being.

“This year, I prioritized eating well and going to bed early, and I think it helped me a lot, and I’m going to try to continue to do that in college,” McAndrew said.

McAndrew’s change to sleep and diet helped her improve her stamina to cut her time from around 22 minutes during her freshman season to under 19 ½  minutes this season.

 “Eating healthier and sleeping better definitely made me less fatigued and allowed me to recover faster after hard workouts,” McAndrew said.

A crucial aspect of Crowes’ training is ensuring the opportunity is available for collegiate running for his athletes. 

“My goal is to continue running and to have them ready to go so that anybody on my team can step out and run for a college team,” Crowe said.

McAndrew committed to Washington University in St. Louis for cross country, where she will continue her athletic career, and hopes to make the national championship.

“[It] feels like that’s something I can accomplish by my senior year at WashU,” she said.

McAndrew hopes to better understand the sport’s nuances and develop a more effective race plan for each competition.

“I would like to improve my race strategies and be more thoughtful about how I race,” McAndrew said.

While pursuing her academic and professional goals, McAndrew recognizes the importance of maintaining a connection to the sport that has played a significant role in her life.

  “Above all, as I continue to run, I just want to remember why I love it and try not to lose sight of that and get burned out,” McAndrew said.

McAndrew loves the sport because of what it has done for her mentally and physically. 

“As I got to be a better runner, it became something that I did for my mental health because it was a really good way for me to be able to clear my mind and help me destress,” McAndrew said.

No matter where her collegiate career takes her, Miller already feels McAndrew has affected the program.

“Anna affects those around her through [a] commitment to the running even when it gets hard. She’s always believed in everyone on the team,” Miller said.