Going the distance

For ECU distance runner Abrielle “Abi” Schweitzer, success comes from balance.

A third-year student who completed her undergraduate degree this May, Schweitzer has spent her time at ECU navigating two demanding worlds.

She was an Honors College student while also competing as a Division I athlete in cross country and track and field. Between practices, meets and travel, nearly every hour outside the classroom was carefully planned. For Schweitzer, the challenge was part of what makes the experience meaningful.

“Balancing academics and athletics is always a give and take,” Schweitzer said. “I never want to lose myself to either aspect of my life.”

Her work ethic didn’t go unnoticed. According to ECU track-and-field distance coach Luke Cunningham, Schweitzer made the most of every practice and has become a role model for the team.

“Abi makes coaching the easiest job in the world,” Cunningham said. “No matter what, she finds a way to maximize each day of practice.”

Schweitzer originally planned to study aerospace engineering but soon discovered the university’s security studies program and quickly found a new passion. She majored in that and said enjoying what she studies makes it easier to keep up with the demands of athletics.

Her dedication has shown on the course. At the AAC cross country championship, Schweitzer placed 15th and earned all-conference honors. The moment meant even more considering how far she had come since her freshman year.

“Last fall I did not finish a single cross-country race,” she said. “It felt really validating to see the work pay off.”

Another milestone came at a home meet in Greenville, where Abi earned her first collegiate win in a 6K race. Competing on her home course with teammates, friends and family watching made the moment even more memorable.

“The best part was conquering a course that had conquered me more times than I would like to admit,” Schweitzer said.

Abrielle “Abi” Schweitzer

Major: Security studies
Hometown: Harleyville, Pennsylvania