Samantha Kearney returns to Hillsdale

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Samantha Kearney returns to Hillsdale

Coach Samantha Kearney

The Hillsdale College track and field and cross-country programs welcomed back Samantha Kearney as an assistant coach and director of track and field operations on Feb. 1.
Kearney, who worked at Hillsdale as an assistant coach during the 2013-14 season, spent the last two years coaching at her alma mater University of California, Davis.
Although Kearney admits that her first week back was a bit hectic due to the annual Hillsdale Wide Track Classic, she said she feels right at home.
“It felt like I didn’t miss a beat — like I had never been gone at all,” she said. “I missed the athletes a lot and it is great to be around them again. Everyone has been very supportive and loving. I’m very excited for the future.”
Kearney, who was a decorated track and cross-country runner at UC-Davis, will help coach the athletes as well as take on some of the administrative load.
Those athletes that were here for Kearney’s previous stint at Hillsdale were ecstatic at the news of her return.
“I was so excited to hear about it,” senior Kathryn Royer said. “I had to keep it a secret for a few days but I wanted to tell everyone that I saw.”
Royer said that Kearney does a great job of keeping the mood light yet practice-oriented.
“I love Coach Sam’s sense of humor,” she said. “At the same time, she expects a lot out of her athletes and has always given me great advice in regards to competing and pushing myself in workouts.”
Kearney believes that her experience as a D-I runner allows her to better relate to the athletes that she now coaches.
“I have been to both high-level events, but I have also been the bubble person,” she said. “That really lets me connect with the runners and give them some advice.”
Kearney, a Bay Area native, says she chose to return to Hillsdale because of the exceptional work environment it breeds.
“I love the way that the student athletes here operate with honor and integrity throughout their day-to-day activities,” she said. “I am really looking forward to the future here.”