Freshman Anna Tubberegen has had an incredible season for the Grand Rapids Community College women’s cross country team while juggling basketball on the weekends along with academics.
“Yes it is true that I am a dual sport athlete,” Tubbergen said. “Since I am doing cross country at the moment, I am limited in what I can do related to basketball. I do some basketball drills on the weekend and I try to keep the same schedule every day, keeping the same healthy routine everyday.”
Running has been a passion for Tubbergen for many years.
“I’ve run cross-country since middle school, while running all four years in high school,” Tubbergen said. “Looking back, I have had coaches who have helped and motivate me to keep going at each level.”
Tubbergen was given the opportunity to become a dual-sport athlete at GRCC but that was not the only reason she decided to become a Raider.
“I wanted to be close to home and it made sense financially,” Tubbergen said. “It also meant I could compete at the college level in cross country and with the basketball program.”
As for her major, Tubbergen isn’t fully set but has a general idea of what she wants to do after college.
“I’ve come into GRCC thinking about exercise science,” Tubbergen said. “So I’m planning on doing something in that specific field. I would also like to coach and train cross country and basketball athletes.”
Tubbergen has finished in the top-25 of every race this year, including a top-five finish at the Marian Ancilla University invite while setting a PR at the Raider Invite with a time of 19:53. She also finished sixth out of 97 runners at the St.Clair Invite with a time of 20:34.
Head coach Sharon Becker believes the pre-season work and determination is why Tubbergen has had a breakout season.
“One of the reasons Anna is as successful as she has been this season is because she did the training that needed to be done this preseason,” Becker said. “That determination and choice to work through the summer set her up for success. Her drive to succeed, her competitiveness, as well as wanting to do her best are some of the reasons she has run as well as she has as a freshman.”
Tubbergen has credited Becker along with the team’s chemistry in why they have progressed throughout this season.
“Coach does a nice job of bringing us together,” Tubbergen said. “I have great teammates that encourage each other. They work really hard and they are really good people.”
Tubbergen is ready to go for the National Junior College Athletic Association Regional meet and set a personal record.
“I want to set a new personal record,” Tubbergen said. “My goal is to always run faster at the next meet. It doesn’t always happen but it’s always my goal.”
Becker also believes that Tubbergen will show out during Regionals.
“Anna will do excellent on Friday,” Becker said. “She is prepared and ready to go.”
The Regional meet is on Friday, Oct. 27 at Douglas Walker Park in Byron Center at 12:30 p.m.
